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See how a child psychologist approaches school separation anxiety. Across three short videos, Dr Kimberley demonstrates visual mapping, gradual bravery steps, achievable goals and predictable farewell strategies that parents can adapt to help children build confidence around school drop-off and other separations.
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Welcome to Chapter 1, where we delve into the world of Separation Anxiety—a common and emotionally distressing challenge faced by children and parents alike. Led by Dr. Kimberley O'Brien, Principal Child Psychologist at Quirky Kid, this chapter provides a comprehensive understanding of the triggers, symptoms, and prevalence of Separation Anxiety.
Understanding the impact of Separation Anxiety is crucial in navigating your child's journey through this challenging phase. By gaining insights into the necessity of independence, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to support your child to effectively manage farewells and separations.
In this chapter we clarify the traits of Separation Anxiety Disorder—a diagnosis reserved for children aged six years and above who experience daily fear of abandonment for at least four weeks consecutively. Additionally, we discuss its prevalence, particularly among children starting daycare, where farewells can be particularly challenging.
To offer a relatable perspective, we present a real-life case example of Kate, a four-year-old who struggles with extreme clinginess and distress during preschool farewells. Through Kate's story, we highlight the emotional impact that Separation Anxiety can have on children and their families, providing empathy and understanding.
This chapter emphasises the significance of establishing a positive relationship with the school environment. Exploring the school surroundings, understanding classroom spaces, and becoming familiar with playground areas can help alleviate anxieties and fears during school drop-offs.
Understanding the different perspectives—both from the child and parent—also plays a crucial role in addressing Separation Anxiety. By exploring how children perceive farewells and understanding parents' concerns, we foster empathy and effective communication, building a foundation for supporting our children through this challenging phase.
Join us as we continue this transformative journey in Chapter 2.
Welcome to Chapter 2, where we explore practical and engaging techniques to help your child overcome Separation Anxiety with confidence and resilience. This chapter presents a range of evidence-based approaches, each designed to make the separation process a positive and empowering experience for your child.
In Technique #1, we dive into the power of directive play therapy. By creating a school map and farewell ritual using butcher's paper and Quirky Kid's Face It cards, we aim to ease anxieties and foster positive associations with the school environment. Engaging your child in this creative process helps them become more familiar with the surroundings, better able to explore feelings and provide a sense of comfort during farewells.
Technique #2 introduces graded exposure—an approach to help your child gradually face and overcome their fears. The Bravery Pathway is a valuable tool for breaking down challenges into achievable steps. By setting achievable goals, your child gains a sense of progress, building confidence as they approach farewells with greater ease.
During farewells, parental role modelling and providing a safe environment are key. Demonstrating a sense of safety and comfort can positively influence your child's experience, reducing their anxiety during separations.
Collaboration with schools is another crucial aspect of managing Separation Anxiety. By working with educators to create supportive environments and hosting activities that ease farewells for anxious children, we ensure a smooth transition for our little ones.
Building resilience in both parents and children helps maintain progress, even during challenging moments. Join us as we uncover further strategies and support in Chapter 3.
In Chapter 3, we focus on navigating the journey of helping your child overcome Separation Anxiety and finding the support you need as a parent. With the insights gained from Chapter 1 and the techniques explored in Chapter 2, we continue building a foundation of resilience and confidence.
Supporting your child's journey involves creating a supportive home and school environment. Gradual progress is the key to success, and understanding the sensitivity of overcoming Separation Anxiety allows us to approach each step with patience and care.
In addition to parental support, collaboration with educators is vital. Working together as a team to create a soft landing for anxious children during farewells fosters a positive school experience.
As you navigate the journey, remember that Quirky Kid is here to support you as setbacks are a normal part of the journey.
Utilising our resources and support can be invaluable during challenging moments. Whether gaining insights from our experts or connecting with a community of parents facing similar experiences, we are here to empower and guide you.
In conclusion, Separation Anxiety can be a daunting challenge, but with understanding, empathy, and practical strategies, we can help our children thrive through farewells.
Take this transformative journey with Dr Kimberley O’Brien, to reframe your child’s perception of daily farewells to create lasting change in your family.
This is a short, practical video workshop for parents who want to see how an experienced child psychologist approaches separation anxiety around school, drop-off and other everyday farewells.
Rather than a long theoretical presentation, Dr Kimberley O'Brien demonstrates visual and play-based techniques she uses to help children understand separation, practise manageable steps and build confidence over time.
The workshop uses simple materials and examples so you can observe the psychologist's thinking and adapt the ideas to your own child's situation.
This workshop is intentionally concise. It is not a long-form parenting course, tutorial or individual clinical consultation. Its purpose is to let you observe practical psychological thinking and techniques that may help you decide what to try next with your child.
Separation anxiety can vary in severity and may have different contributing factors. This workshop does not replace personalised psychological or medical assessment where this is needed.
Create or sign in to your Quirky Kid account to purchase and access the workshop.
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