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For thousands, the camp experience has been a long-standing family
tradition. For others, the camp experience seems almost counterintuitive.
Send your child off to camp for maybe weeks at a time? "As
parents, recognizing that you and your child are growing and learning
on a journey together is key to adequately preparing yourself and
your child for any type of separation, including going to camp for
the first time," states Peg Smith, executive director of the
American Camp Association (ACA).
Following are helpful tips to consider as you ask yourself, "Who's
going through separation anxiety, me or my child?"
- Separation is a part of growing up. Find opportunities to give
your child independence in safe, structured surroundings with
caring adults such as the camp environment. Understanding that
healthy separation prepares your child to be a confident, productive
adult, sometimes makes the process more successful.
- Understand that separation is natural and necessary; remember
your baby's first crawl, the first time your child stepped onto
a school bus, and the overnight at a friend's or relative's –
these memories are all important developmental phases you and
your child successfully encountered. Each successful separation
gives your child confidence for the next challenge. Recognize
and expect success.
- Implement steps to help prepare you and your child to have
a smooth transition to camp by using the tips in "Preparing
Children for the Summer Camp Experience." Both parents
and children benefit from these recommendations. Share the
experience.
- Ask the right questions about the camp you are choosing for
your child and be sure to match your child's interest and age
to the appropriate camp atmosphere. "Making the Most of the
Interview"
can give you helpful ideas about what questions to ask. Gathering
information about the camp will make you feel better about your
decisions.
- Recognize separating from your child may be just as difficult
for you as for your child, maybe even more so.
Opportunities for children to experience healthy, successful separation
help your child discover who they are and to recognize their strengths.
"As children prepare to eventually leave home permanently,
I often wonder who is being prepared during each separation experience
throughout a child's life – the growing child or the maturing
adult," comments Smith. "I think it proves learning is
a lifelong process."
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