Helping Your Preschooler Cope with Separation Anxiety at Dance Class: A Parent’s Guide
Separation anxiety is common in preschoolers, especially when they’re starting something new, like dance class. While it's completely normal for children to feel uneasy when leaving a parent's side, there are steps you can take to make the transition smoother.
Here’s some tips you can try to help support your little dancer as they adjust to this new experience:
Acknowledge Their Feelings
Preschoolers often need reassurance that it's okay to feel nervous or sad when separating from you. Let your child know that their feelings are valid. Say something like, “I understand you feel a little worried about going to class today, and that’s okay. It's a new experience, but you’re going to have fun!” This helps them feel understood and supported.
Build Familiarity with the Environment
New places can be scary so it's natural that the dance studio might not be a place your dancer feels comfort in for the first couple classes! That's okay!
Talk With the Teacher.
Talk to us! Team up with the dance teacher and develop a plan that will help your child have more confidence and less difficulty saying goodbye. Fill the teacher in on some of your child’s personality traits so they can connect with them better on a personal level. We want to help our dancers anyway we can!
Use a Transitional Object (Bring A Little Friend)
Sometimes, bringing a comfort item, like a favorite stuffed animal, can help ease the separation. It acts as a "bridge" between home and dance class. You can tell your child that their stuffed animal will sit quietly in their bag or on the side of class to cheer them on, or that it’s holding onto love from home to help them feel safe.
Stay Calm and Confident
Children are perceptive and pick up on your emotions. If you're anxious or hesitant during drop-off, your child will likely reflect that energy. Try to remain calm, confident, and encouraging. Let them see you’re excited about their new adventure, which can boost their confidence.
Trust the Process
It can be hard to leave your child in tears, but most children quickly settle into the activity once their parents leave. Trust the process, and know that it will get easier with time. As teachers we are experienced with separation anxiety and will help comfort your child once you’ve gone.
Celebrate Small Wins
If your child successfully separates without much fuss or has a good time in class, be sure to celebrate these milestones. Positive reinforcement helps build confidence. Even if it’s just a small improvement, like fewer tears or more willingness to enter the studio, more participation in class acknowledge it with praise.
Gradual Exposure
If your child is still struggling after several classes, you might want to ease them in more slowly. For instance, you could stay in the waiting area for the first few classes, then gradually work toward leaving for longer periods until they feel comfortable.
Key Points to Remember!
-Separation anxiety is a normal part of growing up, and dance class can be an exciting opportunity for your preschooler to learn independence, social skills, and self-expression. With patience, understanding, and a few supportive strategies, you can help your child overcome their initial fears and twirl their way to confidence.
-With time, your child will likely look forward to the dance class as a fun, enriching part of their week!
-Lastly we don't expect perfection preschool dance is about movement, fun, learning to be independent and interacting with other children. Crying, not listening and not standing in line these are extremely normal at first in a preschool class, these are things we work on during the season but it is 100% OKAY if it's not immediate. The best thing to do is just keep trying and your teacher will to!
HAPPY DANCING!
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