How do you handle your child crying for when when they start school??

Question

OK, my son has never cried for me when he would leave for school, we have moved several times and each time he would have to start a new school, today on the other hand he didn't want me to leave him at all. How do you handle that, when your child has never done it before? It's killing me that I had to leave him like that.

Answer 1

I try and keep goodbyes short, reassure my daughter that she is going to have a great day and keep a smile on my face. If she senses that I'm getting even slightly emotional she will cry really hard. If I smile and act like everything is normal and fine she seems more confident.

Answer 2

Explain to your child that you will be back to pick him up.  On most occassions when I have dealt with a child crying they cry for a couple minutes and then stop.  As long as you keep your promise (if you say you will be back later or I will see you after school) he should get used to it within a week or two.  It happens more than you think.  It's hard but you have to teach him at some point, might as well be when he is young and the other kids won't remember it.