Ched Rick Gatchalian

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Back-to-school Blues: Expert gives tips to parents to better handle kids' separation anxiety

ABS-CBN News Digital Intern

MANILA — As Filipino students gear up for another school year, child and family development expert Nina Era, an assistant professor at University of the East Manila reminds parents to prepare not just school supplies, but their children’s emotional readiness, too.In an interview on DZMM’s Tandem ng Bayan, Era, who is affiliated with the Reintegration for Care and Wholeness Foundation, emphasized the importance of supportive routines, trust-building, and discretion in documenting children’s first-day reactions.For young learners, especially first-time preschoolers, crying, clinging, and refusal to be left behind are often signs of separation anxiety, a normal developmental stage.“Normal po yung ganong proseso,” Era said. “At some point, one or two weeks pag nakabuild na yan ng routine, ng trust niya sa teacher, at meron na siyang naging kaibigan sa eskwelahan, magiging okay din yung bata.”She recommends school visits before opening day, giving children visual and emotional cues to feel safe and excited.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/5/8/deped-eyes-to-end-sy-24-25-by-march-31-2025-start-of-sy-25-26-in-june-2025-1610">DepEd eyes to end SY &#x27;24-&#x27;25 by March 31, 2025; start of SY &#x27;25-&#x27;26 in June 2025</a></div>Era cautioned parents against uploading emotional videos of their children crying or acting out during drop-offs.“Pwede naman natin i-video pero for our own phone use only… Hindi ito para i-share online,” she stressed. “Pag nilagay mo na yung video na ‘yan online… pwedeng gamiting yun against doon sa bata at mapapahiya siya.”Such content, she warned, could later harm the child’s self-esteem and self-concept, especially if the footage is shared widely and mocked by peers.If a video has already been posted and gone viral, Era said, parents should watch for warning signs, such as avoidance of school activities, sudden shyness or withdrawal, loss of interest in play or conversation, and decline in academic performance.Hovering at the school gate or peeking through classroom windows may send the wrong message. Instead, once the child signals readiness, parents should show confidence and allow the child to build trust with teachers.Bring extra clothes and underwear, avoid false promises, coordinate calmly with teachers, and resist the urge to film distressing moments.

As Filipino students gear up for another school year, child and family development expert Asst. Prof. Nina Q. Era of UE Manila reminds parents to prepare not just school supplies, but their children’s emotional readiness, too.

As Filipino students gear up for another school year, child and family development expert Asst. Prof. Nina Q. Era of UE Manila reminds parents to prepare not just school supplies, but their children’s emotional readiness, too.

Back-to-School Blues: Expert gives tips to parents to better handle kids' separation anxiety

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Back-to-School Blues: Expert gives tips to parents to better handle kids' separation anxiety

ABS-CBN News Digital Intern,

Klare Basilia

Published June 21, 2025 10:01 AM PHT

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Pre-school

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