Saying goodbye
A goodbye at the preschool door, small enough to keep.
A tight hand at the classroom door, one more hug, then another. For many children aged 3 to 5, the hard part of preschool is the moment a grown-up leaves. A Goodbye follows Pip as he finds a goodbye he can keep, and here are a few ideas for the mornings.
Saying goodbye
Why goodbyes can feel big
Missing a parent at drop-off is a normal part of growing up, not a sign that something is wrong. Young children feel the moment of separation strongly, even when they like where they are going.
A small, repeatable goodbye gives your child something to hold onto after you leave. It works best when your child helps choose it, and when missing someone is allowed to sit alongside starting to play.
Small things to try at drop-off
- 1
Make a goodbye together
A special handshake, a tap on the hand or a word only you two know. In the book, Pip invents one tap for Dad and one for himself, tucked into his pocket.
- 2
Keep it short and the same
A goodbye that looks the same every day tells your child what comes next. A long goodbye can make leaving harder for both of you.
- 3
Always say goodbye
Slipping away while your child is busy can feel easier, but a clear, warm goodbye helps children trust that the grown-ups they love come and go honestly.
- 4
Name the feeling
“You’ll miss me, and you can still go and draw.” Children can miss someone and join in at the same time.
What helps with saying goodbye
Good to know
Questions parents ask
How can I make preschool drop-off easier for my child?+
Keep the goodbye short, warm and the same each day, and make it together: a special handshake, a tap or a word. Say goodbye clearly rather than slipping away. If your child’s distress stays very strong for weeks, talk to their teacher or your doctor.
Should I sneak out at drop-off so my child doesn’t get upset?+
Many teachers recommend saying a clear, short goodbye instead. It may bring a few tears in the moment, but it helps your child learn that you leave, and come back, in a way they can trust.
Is there a picture book about saying goodbye at preschool for ages 3 to 5?+
Yes. A Goodbye is the fourth book in our Little Daily Life series. At the preschool door, Pip tries a big hug, a long wave and a nose boop before he invents a tiny goodbye he can keep in his pocket. It is a 24-page read-aloud paperback, out now on Amazon.
