Does your child struggle to get out of the car at school drop-off? Do mornings feel like a battle filled with hesitation, tears, or repeated reassurance? Maybe you find yourself needing to walk your child into the building, stay longer than you planned, or rely on school staff to help with the transition. You’re not alone—and more importantly, there is a better way.

Many children experience separation anxiety at school drop-off, and while it often comes from a place of love and attachment, the patterns that develop can make mornings more stressful for both parents and children. Over time, these routines can unintentionally reinforce anxiety, making it harder for your child to build confidence and independence.

If you’ve ever wished you could simply do a smooth, confident “Kiss & Go” drop-off, this group is for you.

Join other parents who are navigating the same challenges as we walk step-by-step through a practical, structured Kiss & Go Drop-Off Protocol designed to help your child separate with greater ease, confidence, and emotional security. You’ll learn how to create predictable routines, set clear expectations, respond to resistance without escalating the situation, and support your child in building the skills they need to succeed at school.

This is not about forcing your child or ignoring their feelings—it’s about supporting them in a way that actually reduces anxiety over time.

During this session, we will cover:

  • Why separation anxiety shows up at school drop-off

  • Common patterns that keep kids “stuck” in the cycle

  • A clear, repeatable Kiss & Go protocol you can implement right away

  • How to respond when your child resists, clings, or refuses

  • Ways to partner with school staff without increasing dependency

Parents will also have the opportunity to ask real-life, situational questions during our “What do I do when…?” Q&A time.

You don’t have to keep dreading mornings. With the right approach, school drop-off can become calmer, more predictable, and even empowering—for both you and your child.

Target Audience

This group is designed for parents of school-aged children (typically ages 4–12) who struggle with separation during school drop-off.

This is a great fit for parents whose child:

  • Has difficulty getting out of the car at drop-off

  • Cries, clings, or refuses to separate from a parent in the morning

  • Requires a parent or staff member to walk them into school

  • Needs extended reassurance, routines, or accommodations to feel comfortable

  • Experiences frequent stomachaches, headaches, or other anxiety-related symptoms before school

  • Has a history of school refusal or increasing resistance to attending school

  • Does well once at school but struggles specifically with the separation process

This group is also ideal for parents who:

  • Feel stuck in a difficult or exhausting morning routine

  • Want to reduce drop-off stress without escalating power struggles

  • Are unsure how much support is helpful vs. reinforcing anxiety

  • Want a clear, step-by-step plan to help their child separate with confidence

  • Are ready to move toward a consistent, confident “Kiss & Go” drop-off routine

If your mornings feel unpredictable, stressful, or emotionally draining, and you’re ready for a more structured and supportive approach, this group is for you.

INSTRUCTOR

Randy Floyd, LSCSW, Founder, Clinical Level Therapist

Randy is the founder of Midwest Anxiety. He is a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker who is an optimist and passionate about helping people focus on what they can do rather than what they can't do. Randy believes building a strong therapeutic relationship and tapping into a person's strengths are the most essential components of the therapeutic experience. Randy is passionate about changing the way we do mental health. He is focused on making mental health normal, a positive experience. He is also adamant about doing mental health differently. Randy believes the "old ways" suggest mental health is for the "broken" or "mentally ill." Randy believes that "Everyone Struggles." Sure. Some people struggle more than others, but everyone struggles with something. With this belief, Randy is focused on providing a wide range of programs and services to help people be mentally well ;) Go give Randy a fist bump on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

LOCATION

This group will meet virtually. A secure video link will be provided after registration.

SCHEDULE

We’ll meet on Saturdays from 2:00pm-3:00pm

FEE

$25.00 per week.

CANCELLATION POLICY

We know life gets busy. If you are unable to participate in a session, please cancel at least 24 hours in advance and you will not be charged.

REGISTRATION

Spots are limited. To guarantee a place in the group, please register early.

Please complete the information below and we will contact you shortly to help get you registered for Kiss & Go.