Materials
unbreakable mirror
small square of cloth (about the size of a cloth diaper)
Instructions
1. It is often difficult for children to say goodbye to their mothers, fathers,
or caregivers in the morning. This activity will help with goodbyes.
2. Create a collection of small trinkets. You need two of each item, one for
the parent and one for the child. Do not ask the children or parents to
contribute these items because the children may have a sense of
ownership of the items and may have trouble seeing others take them.
Small items purchased from a dollar store fit this activity well.
3. Label a small box "The Good Goodbye Box" and put the trinket
collection in it. Store the box where the children cannot reach it.
4. In the morning, place the box near the door to the room. When children
are reluctant to leave their parents in the morning, encourage them to
choose a pair of trinkets from box. The child gives one trinket to his
parent for the day and keeps one for himself. The parent must promise
to keep the trinket in a pocket or on her desk all day and bring it back
at pick-up time. The child must promise to take care of his trinket all day
until the parent returns.
5. Remind the children that they cannot take any trinkets from the box
until their parents are ready to walk out the door and leave.
6. If the children indicate that they miss their parents during the day, get
out their trinkets and remind them of the trinkets their parent have. Ask
the child questions such as, "Where do you think your mommy has her
trinket? Is it on her desk or in her pocket?"