Because parent and child are so intimately entwined emotionally, some young children find separating very painful. Don't forget to say goodbye. Even if your child seems happy and involved, always let her know you're going and give her a sense of when you'll return. Children who adore their parents and are very happy to go home sometimes find the abrupt change between the two worlds of home and school upsetting. Yet even children who grab their backpacks as soon as you show up at the door benefit from a leaving-school routine.
Time is different for young children.
To a child, a day might seem as long as a life stage does to an adult. Always say goodbye to the teacher and any remaining classmates. Spice your routines with variety and fun. For instance, you can make Monday vegetable and cheese day. Tuesday can feature fruit salad, Wednesday graham crackers for dessert, and so on.