5 Ways to Deal When Your Preschooler is Afraid of the Teacher

Some children show apprehension going to school. One of the reasons for their reluctance is that they may have some fear towards their own teachers. If your child expresses this kind of fear, here are some ways to help him/ her:

1.    Talk to your child. You will have to take the time to know the cause of your child’s fears of the teacher. Talking to your child calmly and asking questions about school and the teacher will help you get to know what is really bothering him. Make sure not to ask questions that may sound suggestive such as “Did your teacher do something bad to you or did your teacher hurt you?” or anything that resembles these. If the teacher had indeed done something bad, your child will be able to express it eventually on his own, as your conversation about school progresses. Asking suggestive questions may plant memories that are not even real.

2.    Analyze your child’s fears. Try to observe the days when your child expresses or shows more apprehension and when it started. Try to recall if there had been some stressors whether in school or at home.  Most of the time, a child’s fear of going to school is just a reflection of being apart from you for long hours for the first time. If there are simply some major changes at home such as you or husband having a new schedule for work, or things as such, this may play a part in causing your child’s fear. Nevertheless, try to consider all possibilities and observe which may have a real effect on his fear.

3.    Talk to your child’s teacher. Having a conversation with your child’s teacher may help clarify or at least, get you to know some of the things that are happening in the classroom that stimulate your child’s fears. You have to be very careful, though, not to sound or make accusations that this can be the fault of your child’s teacher. Just make sure to express that you are a little concerned about the way your child has been behaving and that you would just want to ask the teacher’s opinion and observations of what may be the cause of that behavior.

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4.    Visit the classroom. If you think that you and your child’s teacher may be getting close to the root of the problem or may need more help in trying to get close to the cause of your child’s fear, you may then ask the teacher or the principal of the school if you can just visit and stay in the classroom or at least be in a place where you can observe for an hour or so.

5.    Give positive reflections about school and the teacher. Whenever you can, try to always reflect on the brighter side of being in your child’s school or being under the tutelage of your child’s teacher. Try to make remarks such as, “Wasn’t it nice for your teacher to help you today?” or anything that try to encourage seeing the lighter side of his teacher. Do not forget to always kiss your child goodbye before going to school and assuring him that you’ll see him after school is done. This way, your child will be able to develop a positive outlook toward going to school.

Photo from sxc.hu

SOURCES:
•    Medoff, L. (2010). Fear of the Preschool Teacher, http://www.education.com
•    Conner, M. G. PsyD. (2009). Daddy, were you afraid to go to school? http://www.crisiscounseling.com