Parenting Life Guide

Published: September 3, 2026

Starting Daycare: Easing Separation Anxiety

Starting daycare or preschool brings an unfamiliar moment of goodbye for both children and parents. Based on AAP guidance, here’s an overview of how to help with separation anxiety.

Why Separation Anxiety Happens

Separation anxiety tends to appear around 6 months, peak around a child’s first birthday, and often continue until around age 3. It’s generally considered a normal sign that a strong attachment has formed with a parent or caregiver.

Preparing for the Transition

Arranging a few short visits with the new teacher or classroom together before the first official day can help ease unfamiliarity. Sending a favorite comfort object, like a stuffed animal or blanket, along with your child is also considered helpful.

Tips for Saying Goodbye at Drop-off

Keeping goodbyes brief, warm, and calm, and telling your child you’ll be back soon, tends to work well. Saying goodbye the same way every time, rather than slipping away unnoticed, can help your child feel like drop-off is predictable.

Normal Adjustment vs. Ongoing Difficulty

Most children show some anxiety in the early days, and gradually settling in and joining activities is considered a normal part of adjusting. If a child still refuses to attend or struggles to engage with peers after several weeks, though, it may be worth a closer look.

Caregiving Tip

Talking through what your child will do at daycare the next day, the night before, can help them feel a bit more prepared.

When to Consider Talking with a Pediatrician

If separation anxiety shows no improvement after several weeks and makes attending daycare very difficult, if your child can’t engage with peers at all, or if intense anxiety is disrupting sleep or eating, checking in with a pediatric provider may be helpful. This information isn’t a diagnostic tool and doesn’t replace advice from a medical professional.