Coping Skills and Young Pre-K Children

Kindergarten is a big deal. Most of us think of kindergarten as a dramatic shift which will change the family along with the child. True, so true. But what about little Timmy of Sally who's left behind still in the pre-k years? They are losing a best friend, a playmate and a role model to the unknown kindergarten.

Parents need to accentuate the positives when it comes to separation and change. Here's why.

BIG DEAL OR SMALL DEAL DEPENDS ON THE ADULTS.

Anxious or tense adults will pass on their reactions to their children. If parents meet the separation situation with preparedness and positive energy, then the little ones still at home will sense that this is a good change, a normal change. Staying calm and explaining that the pre-kindergarten child will have more time and attention at home will help to alleviate fears of the bigger sibling moving onto school-age activities. This could be a real bonding time with child and stay-at-home parent. Both will be dealing with a change in schedule and positive loss.

Some childhood experts suggest paying attention to small changes before the big kindergarten move takes place. For example, each child can spend alone time with daddy once a week on a daddy date to the park, a favorite kid-friendly restaurant, or out for a milkshake and stroll around the neighborhood. Having small episodes of separation will lessen bigger anxieties down the road.

These coping skills will be needed later in life. Any preparation parents can do will only benefit everyone later, especially their pre-ker who may have anxieties of their own.