The Age: 14.05.20 Separation anxiety looms for parents as preps return to school

Malcolm Elliott, president of the Australian Primary Principals Association, said that after a long stint of remote learning, some families might struggle handing over their child at the school gate.

At Florence Rd. Pre School, tape on the ground indicates where parents and children should queue. A teacher lets students in one by one.
At Florence Rd. Pre School, tape on the ground indicates where parents and children should queue. A teacher lets students in one by one. Credit:Jason South

“If you’ve got 50 preps, you will have a range of social capacities in that group,” he said.

“Some will be more dependent on parents than others and some parents are more reliant on their children than others. By that I mean they love their children so much they have a little separation anxiety themselves.

“For some people it’s easier for them to drop off at the front gate and wave to them as they head across the quadrangle to their classroom and their teachers.”

Mr Elliott said the return to school was an opportunity to highlight the enjoyment of learning on school grounds.

Link to article The Age 14.05.2020