I come from a background in family services and am always happy to support parents and carers with advice, guidance, or help navigating services and supports for themselves or their children when needed.

Throughout the year, I’ll also be sharing some short wellbeing articles in the school newsletter, offering practical tips and information around common wellbeing topics that families often ask about. This week’s article focuses on separation anxiety, which many children (particularly Foundation students, and some older students too) experience during times of transition.

Supporting Children Through Separation Anxiety

Starting school — especially in Foundation — is a big step, and for some children, separating from home can feel overwhelming. Separation anxiety is common, developmentally normal, and often appears during transitions, after holidays, or during periods of change.

The good news is that there are two things that make the biggest difference: calm mornings and clear goodbyes.

Keep Goodbyes Short, Calm, and Consistent

A quick, confident goodbye helps children feel safe. A hug, wave, or special handshake lets your child know you love them and trust that they will be okay. While it can be tempting to linger, wait nearby, or return after saying goodbye, this can unintentionally increase anxiety and make separation harder. Clear, predictable goodbyes help children settle more quickly and build confidence over time.

Create a Predictable, Unrushed Morning Routine

Many children feel more anxious when mornings are rushed or chaotic. Calm, slow starts to the day help children feel emotionally ready for school. Helpful strategies include:

• Ensuring children get enough sleep with earlier bedtimes
• Laying out school clothes and packing school bags the night before
• Waking with plenty of time to get ready and enjoy breakfast
• Keeping morning demands minimal and avoiding last-minute rushing
• Talking with your child about the drop-off routine and what to expect

 A predictable routine helps children feel safe, organised, and ready to learn. Visual schedules can also be very helpful, particularly for younger children.

It’s important to acknowledge your child’s feelings — letting them know it’s okay to feel nervous — while confidently reassuring them they will be safe and supported. Children often mirror adult emotions, so staying calm and confident sends a strong message that school is a safe place.

While toys from home aren’t permitted, small, approved comfort items can help some children, such as a special keyring on their bag, a note in their lunchbox, or a small love heart or symbol drawn on both your hands as a reminder you’re connected. Please note that toys or other items from home should not be brought to school unless for scheduled show and tell or with teacher approval.

At school, children are welcomed by familiar staff (or Grade 6 Buddy for Foundation students), supported by consistent routines, and encouraged to engage in positive activities straight away. After school, being on time for pick-up and focusing on positives — “What was the best part of your day?” — helps build confidence and resilience.

Separation anxiety doesn’t mean something is wrong, and it doesn’t mean you’ve caused it. With patience, consistency, and teamwork between home and school, children learn that goodbyes don’t last forever.

If separation anxiety continues or feels overwhelming, please reach out to your child’s teacher or the wellbeing team — we’re here to support both you and your child.

How to Make a Love or Hug Button

A Love (or Hug) Button is a fun and simple way to help children feel close to their grown-ups even when they’re apart.

• First, draw a little heart on your child’s hand (or wrist) and the same heart on your own. A coloured or gold/silver sharpie on the back of the hand works really well.
• Next, hold hands or press the two hearts together. You might say you’re “charging up” the heart or filling it with love, cuddles, and reminders that you will always come back.
• If your child feels sad or misses you at school, they can press their heart to send you a hug. You can press your heart too, to send one right back.
• Let your child know that even if the heart washes off, the magic still works — because the love stays in their heart, not in the pen.

This can be a lovely drop-off routine and can help children feel calm, brave, and connected throughout the school day.