you're certainly right about how your own feelings affect your child. she does perceive the rushing and anxiety and exhaustion. i like your idea of working towards a more relaxed routine. other ideas: 1. make drop off quick and matter-of-fact and part of a fixed routine. 2. make her some kind of little badge or toy with your face on it and mom's too. it can be a new "bravery badge" or a new stuffed animal that wears a necklace with a locket or a locket that she can wear herself. 3. invite one-at-a-time new friends from class to your house for play time. these ought to be fairly short at first. you can work up to 2 or 3 kids at a time later; and later still encourage her to go over to new friends houses (again for pre-planned short visits at first-- it's important that the playtime ends as planned not ends when one or both kids fall apart! )
how can i help my 4 year old adjust to school? would a less stressful morning routine be helpful?