Learning Diversity

Dear Families,

If you feel that your child may need extra support or has a Disability that the school is not aware of, please contact the office and ask to speak to Sally Thomas or email me sthomas@saseaford.catholic.edu.au

Understanding and Supporting Your Child Through Separation Anxiety

As the school year continues, it's normal for some children to experience separation anxiety, especially during transitions like starting school or moving to a new class. Separation anxiety is when a child feels distressed or fearful about being away from their parents or caregivers. While this is common in younger children, it can also affect older kids in certain situations.

What is Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a natural part of child development. It often occurs when children feel nervous about being separated from familiar faces and environments. This can lead to feelings of unease before school, difficulty settling into class, or even physical symptoms like stomachaches or headaches. It can also affect children in other situations, like sleepovers, trips, or social events.

Signs to Look For

Here are some signs your child may be struggling with separation anxiety:

• Crying or clinging when it's time to say goodbye
• Complaints about stomachaches or headaches that seem to appear before school
• Worrying about things happening when they’re not with you
• Refusal to go to school or participate in activities
• Trouble sleeping alone or having nightmares

How to Help Your Child Manage Separation Anxiety

1. Acknowledge Their Feelings: Let your child know that it’s okay to feel anxious and that you understand their emotions. Reassure them that their feelings are normal and that you’re proud of them for facing their fears.
2. Keep Goodbyes Short and Positive: Long, drawn-out goodbyes can heighten anxiety. Try to make your goodbyes quick and positive, with a comforting ritual (like a special hug or a cheerful wave) that signals that you’ll be back soon.
3. Establish a Routine: Having a consistent morning routine can give your child a sense of security and predictability. Try to leave plenty of time in the mornings so there’s no rushing, and keep the routine as calm and stress-free as possible.
4. Build Confidence with Small Steps: If your child’s anxiety is significant, it can help to start with small separations (like playing in the yard while you’re inside) before progressing to longer ones, such as attending school. This helps build their confidence that they can manage being apart from you.
5. Stay Calm and Consistent: Children often look to their parents for reassurance. By remaining calm and confident, you show your child that they are safe and that you trust them to cope with the situation.
6. Talk to the School: If separation anxiety is affecting your child’s ability to participate in class, it’s a good idea to communicate with the school. Teachers and staff can provide additional support and help create a plan that makes the transition easier.

When to Seek Professional Help

While many children grow out of separation anxiety with time and support, it’s important to seek help if the anxiety is severe or persistent, especially if it’s interfering with your child’s social, emotional, or academic development. A counselor or child psychologist can offer strategies and tools to help your child overcome their anxiety.

Remember, it’s completely normal for children to experience some level of anxiety, and with your support, they can learn to manage their feelings and feel more comfortable in school. Thank you for your continued support in helping your child thrive in a positive, caring environment.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING SENDING MEDICAL INFORMATION AND REPORTS

As a result of the Quality Assurance process and discussion. It is recommended that all medical documentation and reports that families are sending to staff be sent via email or in a hard copy.  Please do not use the seesaw app to send medical information to school.

Sally Thomas

Diversity Leader