Advice for Parents: Leaving Your Child (Seperation Anxiety)

Leaving your child at the door of the Greenhousedoesn't have to be a stressful ordeal for the child or the parent. Most children experience separation anxiety during their early preschool years. It's a normal step in your child's emotional development. But take hope. Here are some easy measures that parents can take in order to help them help their baby, 1 year-old, or 2 year-old have a happy start to her day at church.

Setting a Happy Tone Before Arrival at Church

• Make Sunday morning less stressful. Preschoolers can sense your stress. Set out your child's clothes on Saturday night. Label all of your child's belongings and pack diapers and a change of clothes in his diaper bag.
• Feed your child before you leave for church. Separation is more difficult when a child is hungry.
• Sing a song about church or Jesus while dressing your child. Make up words to a song, using a familiar tune. You might sing these words: "We are getting dressed for church, dressed for church, dressed for church. We are getting dressed for church. We like to go to church." (tune "Mary Had a Little Lamb")
• Talk about your child's teachers and friends in her room while traveling to church.

When They Arrive at Check In

• Encourage a child who is walking to walk up to the Check in. It is easier for your child to separate from you if she is not in your arms.
• Notify Leaders of any changes in your child's routine. One Leader may take your child while another Leader talks with you and records schedule changes.
• Follow the security procedures of the Greenhouse (sign in, get a tag or bracelet)

What to Do if Your Child Cries at the Door

• Tell your child good-bye.
• Reassure your child that Mommy and Daddy will be back later. Then leave. Prolonged separations make it more difficult for your child to adjust.
• Avoid going back to to check on him. If your child sees you, it may upset him, and the tears will start to flow all over again. (if for any reason you need to be contacted during service, your child's number (which is on the bracelet or tag) will appear on the screen in the adult service.
• Know that your child's leader will come to get you if she is unable to comfort your preschooler after a reasonable amount of time.

Don't be alarmed if you have tried these suggestions and your child still cries at the door. Separation anxiety can be a brief period in your child's development, or it may last months. Regular attendance at church does help your baby, 1 year-old, or 2 year-old overcome this anxious stage. Promptly picking up your child after church reassures him that you will come for him in a timely manner.
Your child's leaders pray that your child will have a happy time at church. As leaders share Jesus' love with your child, he will come to realize that church is indeed a loving, happy, safe place.