How Summer Camp Can Teach Parents As Well As Children
Often it is the parents who have a harder time coping during the time that their child is at summer camp. We often hear about homesickness for campers but parents also experience a type of adjustment that can be very difficult. Parents spend the year caring and worrying about school, homework, friends, extracurricular activities, meals, and on and on. There is no end to the details and activities that keep us busy all in an effort to provide opportunities for the growth and development of our children. It turns out that it can be difficult to turn all that over to someone else even if just for a short period of time. .
Understand that these are natural feelings. Parents love their children so finding that it is hard to be apart is easy to understand. Once we realize that this is a natural tendency and many parents experience similar emotions it is a little easier to cope. Campers that are homesick find comfort in knowing that they are not the only ones that have these feelings that more than likely their counselor at sometime also felt the same way. It does a great deal to know that you are not the only one experiencing “campsickness”. Once identified and understood the key is to not dwell on the feelings. We coach campers that while the feelings are natural there are many things that they can do to limit the severity.
Establish a support group. Let friends know that your child is away and that you might need a little support during that time. You’d be surprised how many parents have experienced this and can empathize. Having someone you can talk to is important to working through the separation successfully. Now having established this bond it is important to not dwell on these kinds of conversations. Identify that what you are feeling is in fact real and natural but it does not have to consume your thoughts.
Call to action. Understanding your feelings and establishing a support group for yourself are important but the call to action is probably the key to overcoming “campsickness”. Make some time to experience something new and exciting that you have often thought you might enjoy. It can be a simple as taking a tennis or golf lesson, picking up a book you have been meaning to read (provided it will not make the situation worse) or meeting friends for a night out. All these activities can stimulate us and help us obsess less about our children. If you have other children at home make a special date to go to the park or a special day trip. Anything to shake up the routine and add a little spice is what we encourage. If there are certain times of the day that are harder make a plan for how you will handle that time. If it is too quiet in the house go for a walk or just get out and do something. It can do wonders!
A positive summer camp experience for both the camper and parent begins with proper expectations. Campers and parents both have opportunities for growth during this time. The independent spirit that accompanies a new experience is just some of the good stuff that comes from the camp experience!
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