It's 9 am. A parent is struggling to leave, a child is distressed and your team is also trying to settle everyone else.
There isn't one magical goodbye routine for every child. But small, consistent changes can make a meaningful difference.
Connection and predictability before pressure
Separation can be difficult for different reasons, including unfamiliar routines, changes at home, sensory demands, communication differences or the need to build trust with educators.
The aim isn't to make children stop having feelings. It's to offer responsive support and help families and educators work together.
Let's make this practical
What could you try tomorrow?
Choose a situation and turn the card over to reveal a practical idea.
IDEA 1A parent stays for a long timeCould you agree on a shared routine?Reveal the strategy
Talk privately with the family about what the child finds difficult. Agree on a predictable arrival routine, who will greet them and how you'll communicate after separation.
Close strategyIDEA 2A child becomes distressed at the doorwayWhat could make arrival more predictable?Reveal the strategy
Try a familiar educator, a visual arrival sequence or a preferred activity ready nearby. Allow reasonable time and adjust the approach to the child's needs.
Close strategyIDEA 3The family worries all morningWhat communication might reassure them?Reveal the strategy
Agree on a realistic way to share how the child is settling, while maintaining clear professional boundaries. Avoid promising that every separation will be tear-free.
Close strategySometimes the most helpful change isn't a new technique. It's ensuring the child, family and educators know what to expect from each other.
FREE EDUCATOR RESOURCE
Supporting children through difficult drop-offs
I've created a downloadable guide exploring the vagus nerve, co-regulation and practical strategies for supporting children during separation.
It's a resource you can reflect on with your team and use when discussing supportive arrival routines with families.
Open the free vagus nerve guideFree PDF · Opens in a new tab
WATCH ROBYN EXPLAIN
Let's look at this in practice
I've shared a short video on Instagram exploring this area of children's development and everyday practice.
If the video doesn't load here, select Watch on Instagram.
Where distress is intense, persists or significantly affects participation, work with the family and consider whether further individualised support is appropriate.
MORE SUPPORT FOR YOUR TEAM
Want more ideas for your kindergarten?
I have professional learning and practical resources covering this topic, alongside movement, play, sensory development, regulation and learning readiness.
If your educators are experiencing similar challenges, my free PD Needs Check can help identify two professional learning sessions relevant to your team.
Two live, 30-minute staff meeting webinars are currently available for $850 including GST under the early-booking offer.
HAVE A QUESTION?
Ask me about your kindergarten's challenges
If something in this article sounds familiar, you're welcome to send me a quick message. Tell me what your team is noticing, and I'll read your question personally.
Please don't include children's names or other identifying or sensitive information.