Homesickness (continued)

Once you determine that your child is ready for camp, there are some steps you can take to help head off homesickness. The American Camping Association (ACA) offers the following suggestions:

• Include your child in the decision of what camp to choose. Look at the brochures together, visit if possible, and talk or meet with other children who have gone there. Children who have input in the decision are more likely to feel a sense of ownership over it and to be happier with its outcome. Plus, you'll be able to see what your child likes about one camp over another.
• Discuss your expectations for the separation, as well as your child's - including why he or she is going and what you hope your child will gain from the experience. Prepare your child for any uncertainties he or she might feel and acknowledge those concerns, but don't focus on the negatives. Always express confidence that your child will do just fine.
• Encourage your child's independence and have practice separations. These can include spending one night at a friend's house or going to day camp before sleepaway camp. These mini-separations will boost your child's confidence and help ease the transition to being away from home.
• Discuss topics like set times to call or how often you'll write. Remember that many camps have policies - like no phone calls for the first week - to allow campers the time they need to adjust. Know what procedures are in place and discuss them so your child knows what to expect.
• Together, visit the place your child will be staying. Children fear the unknown, especially when it comes to a change in their routine. Kids may wonder, Where will I sleep? Where will I eat? Where will I go to the bathroom? Visiting will let your child become at least a little familiar with the setting and will show that you're comfortable with it, too.
• Communicate with the camp. If you think your child may get homesick, let the camp counselors know ahead of time. Most are trained to handle this problem and are ready to give extra TLC to an unhappy camper.
• Involve your child in the packing. Let your son or daughter bring a favorite T-shirt or a special stuffed animal. Familiar items will help make your child more comfortable in the new surroundings.
• Make departure time cheerful. Set the right tone by talking about the fun your child will have and expressing your confidence in him or her.
• Don't bribe or make promises to bring your child home early if he or she doesn't like it. This could send the message that you don't think your child will be able to handle the separation.
• Have a care package or note already waiting for your child on the first day, if the camp allows this. This will reassure your child that you care and you're thinking of him or her.
• Write often, focusing on the positives (the friends your child is making, the things he or she is learning, etc.). Avoid dwelling on how much you miss your child or rattling off a list of things he or she is missing at home. This could make the separation even harder.
• Put together a calendar that shows the days at camp, the days you plan to visit or call, and when your child will return home. A calendar will give your child a more tangible sense of time.

If You Get a "Rescue Call"

Be aware that despite this preparation, your child may still become homesick - at least for the first couple days. If you get a teary "rescue call," try not to overreact or feel guilty. Be reassuring and encourage your child to participate - say how excited you are to hear about all the new things your child is doing. Most important, stay calm and upbeat because children take their cues from the people they look up to most.