Child Psychologist Vini Jhariya interacted with Parents and Teachers at UC Kindies

Indore

A Workshop with parents of UC Kindies School in Mahalaxmi Nagar was orgnaised by Create Stories NGO where Where Child Psychologist & Psychotherapist: Vini Jhariya interacted with teachers and parents.

She said , Understanding Separation Anxiety in Children and Coping Strategies: When children start going to school, they may experience worry or fear of being away from their parents, and it's important to address this fear; otherwise, it can cause distress throughout their lives. Separation anxiety disorder, mostly found in children of working parents, can persist if not addressed on time, leading to significant distress later in life. It also affects children whose parents are overprotective and don't allow them much freedom.

One important thing for everyone to remember is that if a child makes a mistake or does something good, our reaction should be consistent. If a father shows love, and a mother understands, or if parents take different sides, it's wrong. Everyone should react the same, or the child will accept what's inside them and listen to those who support their side. This is the worst for children; they'll never learn to accept, and this habit can last a lifetime.

Parents are role models for children. A child will follow you without being told, and the more you discourage them, the more they'll do the same. For example, if you tell a child to brush twice, they won't do it and will become irritable, but if you brush twice, the child will see and start following because the child adopts the atmosphere of the home. If you do wrong, the child will learn wrong.

Causes of Separation Anxiety:

·         Single Child: Single children often receive a lot of attention, leading them to worry about separation and become stubborn.

·         Nuclear Family

·         Overprotective Parents

·         New Changes

·         Parental Behavior

·         Tense Family Environment

·         Techniques for Adjusting to School

Create a Goodbye Ritual: Establish a consistent and reassuring goodbye ritual when parting with your child, such as a special hug, kiss, or saying a comforting phrase. Consistency provides predictability and reassurance for your child.

Encourage Independence: Foster your child's independence by encouraging them to engage in activities on their own, both at home and in social settings. This helps them develop self-confidence and resilience.

Practice Relaxation Techniques: Teach your child simple relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or visualization, to help them manage feelings of anxiety when separated from you.

Stay Connected: Stay connected with your child throughout the day by sending notes or messages of encouragement, or arranging a brief phone call during breaks. Knowing that you're thinking of them can provide comfort and reassurance.

Celebrate Reunions: Celebrate reunions with your child by expressing joy and excitement when you're reunited. This positive reinforcement reinforces the idea that separation is temporary and leads to joyful reunions.

Validate Their Feelings: Validate your child's feelings of anxiety and reassure them that it's normal to feel nervous when experiencing something new or unfamiliar. Empathize with their emotions and offer support and encouragement.

Seek Professional Help if Needed: If your child's separation anxiety persists and significantly interferes with their daily functioning or causes distress, consider seeking guidance from a mental health professional who specializes in treating anxiety disorders in children.

By implementing these additional strategies and providing consistent support and encouragement, you can help your child gradually overcome separation anxiety and thrive in their school environment. Remember to be patient, empathetic, and responsive to your child's needs throughout the process.