Back-to-School Anxiety: How "The Kissing Hand" Helps Ease Separation Anxiety by Elisa Schmitz

Books Parenting
2 years ago

Back-to-School Anxiety: How "The Kissing Hand" Helps Ease Separation Anxiety

Kids anxious about school? My identical twin daughters recently reminded me of something that helped them get through separation anxiety. When they went to preschool, it was tough for all of us. They'd cry and hold on to my waist and legs so I wouldn't leave. It got so bad that, often, we were all in tears at each drop-off.

A friend gave me a wonderful book called The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn. It's about a little raccoon about to start kindergarten. Chester Raccoon is anxious about going to kindergarten, so his mother kisses his hand as a way for him to carry her love all day. So sweet!

I took this idea a step further by putting on red lipstick before kissing my daughters' hands, leaving bright red kisses behind. With a vivid memento of Mom to hold on to, they were able to transition to school more easily. We still do this sometimes, and it always seems to ease anxiety (and make us smile).

I gave my teenage daughter a “kissing cheek” by accident when she headed off to college last week. I realized after I kissed her cheek to say goodbye, I unintentionally left a red lipstick mark. I went to wipe it off and she stopped me. “Leave it there,” she said. So I kissed her again in the same place, to make the kiss darker. She smiled and we both got emotional, thinking about the memory of “The Kissing Hand.” I guess she hasn’t outgrown it yet (and neither have I)!

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Elisa Schmitz
Such a great memory for me. And, this really worked for us!
Meredith Schneider
Thanks for sharing this Elisa All Schmitz 30Seconds ! I'm gonna get this for my 6yr old to read together. She is starting 1st grade end of August. First week of kindergarten was rough. 😢
Elisa Schmitz
I hope your daughter loves this book as much as my kids did! And, I hope the "kissing hand" with red lipstick makes her as happy as it did my girls! HUGS, chica! xoxo
Kelli Porcaro
What a cute idea! Love this.
Leila Ward
This is so sweet. 😭❤️ Love the idea of using red lipstick!
Elisa Schmitz
Update: I gave my teenage daughter a “kissing cheek” by accident when she headed off to college last week. I realized after I kissed her cheek to say goodbye, I unintentionally left a red lipstick mark. I went to wipe it off and she stopped me. “Leave it there,” she said. So I kissed her again in the same place, to make the mark darker. She smiled and we both got emotional, thinking about the memory of “The Kissing Hand.” I guess she hasn’t outgrown it yet, phew! Meredith Schneider Kelli Schulte Leila Ward Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead Donna John Chef Gigi Gaggero Mindy Hudon, M.S., CCC-SLP
Ann Marie Patitucci
Elisa All Schmitz 30Seconds : What an amazing moment! I love the book and I LOVE this story! From kindergarten to college!
Chef Gigi
Oh my GAWD!!!!! Ive been AVOIDING these going away to college conversation for a reason! Now IM crying! I Oxoxoxo ( that mom feeling - like your limbs are slightly torn from you) ! So hard to discribe! What a beautiful story though, isn't it! Ox hugs
Mindy Hudon, M.S., CCC-SLP
It's 5:30 AM and I just sent Marshall off to college (Mitchell left last week). When Marshall and Mitchell say their goodbyes to each other it is so emotional for me. "Love you buddy" is what I heard...gulp! Your kissing hand reminds me of my mother whose birthday is tomorrow! Emotional weekend! Thanks for sharing
Elisa Schmitz
Thank you, Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead , Chef Gigi Gaggero and Mindy Hudon, M.S., CCC-SLP ! It is such an emotional time and we have to hold on to these fleeting moments and our precious memories. It’s just good to know we’re in this together. Hugs to all you mamas! ❤️
Kimbo
I made kissing hands with my daughter when she went into preschool, now she’s set for college, maybe I’ll do it again! She loved knowing her “hand” was in her backpack.
Elisa Schmitz
That’s so lovely, Kimbo ! Good luck with the college transition. Such a big change for everyone. The kissing hand or cheek still works, try it! 😘

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