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Every parent in the world wants their children to make friends everywhere. Therefore, if there is summer camp, they will send them to it. Children love to meet and share with new friends especially in those long summer days with fun. However, some of kids are not easily to make friends and not easily to be far away from home. This is what we called as homesickness.

If kid is homesickness, she will call you and plead to come home. Of course you can not refuse her begging. No parent wants to see his or her child unhappy, especially so far away from home. Before the homesickness occurs, let’s find out how to deal with it.

Homesickness is a type of anxiety that children sometimes experience when they’re away from home. It’s extremely common because homesickness occurs in people of all ages and of either gender, but it does tend to lessen with age. Separation from a parent or parents is one of the strongest fears that kids have.

As children get older and have more successful stays away from home, they are better able to put their feelings in perspective - and they also learn that missing home doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy their time away. This type of thinking is much harder for younger children, especially those who are away for the first time. For these children, going to camp or even spending a week with Grandma can be a little more difficult.

Once away, kids who are homesick tend to feel sad and depressed. They may cry, be unwilling to participate in activities, withdraw from others, and find it difficult to sleep, or engage in attention-seeking behavior (for example, getting into trouble). Some kids may also experience physical symptoms, even though there’s nothing medically wrong with them. Common complaints include stomachache, sore throat, headache, nausea, minor aches and pains, or flu-like symptoms.

Some of the things you can do to ensure a smooth transition should occur well before your child leaves. Ask your children if she actually wants to go or not. Don’t send your child just because you think it will be a good way to overcome shyness or because everyone else in the family went to camp at that age. Remember, there’s no right age to begin camp (if a child goes at all), and what’s right for one child isn’t necessarily right for another.

If your kid has decided to join in a camp you have to 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.

Together, visit the place your child will be staying. Children fear the unknown, especially when it comes to a change in their routine. 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.

When you pack her bag, ask her if she wants to bring any special stuffed which can make her comfort there. 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.

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.

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.

Though it may be difficult, resist the urge to take your child home immediately, especially if there are no physical symptoms. Homesickness may worsen when a child has downtime - during early morning, rest hour, and just before bed, for example - and it can be contagious. That’s why most camps pack a child’s day with activities - they know that children who engage in distracting activities and seek social support are generally less homesick. Most cases of homesickness resolve once a child makes a new friend or finds an enjoyable activity, so give it a little time.

However, if you bring your child home early, be sure not to make him or her feel like a failure. Instead, acknowledge your child’s good attempt and say that there may be future camp opportunities. For these kids, day camp might be an appropriate stepping-stone until they’re more ready for sleep away camp.

the image credit by Ryan Glanzer

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