Dear Claire My daughter started grade 1 this year. She loves the school. I'm not sure if this is something to be worried about, but when my husband drops her off in the mornings she wants him to sit in the car with her until the last minute (having conversations etc), and when he's a bit late in the afternoon to pick her up she starts crying. My husband was a few minutes late once and on another occasion the teacher left her alone to wait for him ( she normally waits with the child until the parent comes to pick them up). When my husband got to her she was already in tears. I spoke to her, reassuring her that he will never leave her waiting too long and gave her a few examples of when he might be late so that she doesn't panic. We have in the meantime made alternative arrangements if her dad's a bit late- a friend will pick her up. Please advise. Kind Regards Concerned Mum

Dear Concerned Mum Thank you for your email. I understand your concern for your daughter. Your little girl is displaying a bit of separation anxiety which is very common for children in grade 1 as they have to adjust to 'big school.' Just the size of the school can make them feel insecure. Try to view school through her eyes. She has gone from a small environment where she knew all the teachers to a huge environment with older children and lots of teachers she doesn't know. She needs time and patience to get used to her new environment and attach to her teacher. You have handled the situation well by making arrangements for someone to pick her up if you are late, and to wait with her in the morning. Your husband could possibly walk her into class in the morning and help her settle by chatting to some of the other girls or comment on all the interesting work they are doing in the classroom. Always reassure her that you won't leave her and that you will always come back to fetch her. Best wishes