Turn Your Homesick Child Into A Happy Camper

Homesickness does not just occur at children's resident camps. Younger children can experience the same symptoms with enrichment activities, day camps, specialty camps such as soccer or cheer, spending the evening or night at a friends home, or even participation in special daycare "summer fun" events. In other words, if the experience is outside your child's normal routine throughout the year, then homesickness is a possibility.

So what can parents do to help boost the chance for success at enrichment-type activities during the summer, holidays, or camp settings? The consistent advise seems to be preparation and patience.

Here are some basic pointers that are relevant for children of any age or type of "away from home" or routine setting.

Choose a camp suited to your child's interests, personality and temperament. While it's good to have children try new things, don't force them into a setting in which they may dislike or feel uncomfortable. A negative experience may turn your child against the very activity or interest you had hoped to foster.

Involve your child in the decision-making process. Even very young children have opinions and will express their interests. Older children can check out the camps online or in brochures; parents can discuss activity options with younger children. Some pre-school aged day cares offer different sessions or mini-camps that focus on particular interests, such as sports, dance, arts and crafts, nature. Hone in on your child's interests for a larger likelihood of enrichment success.

Don't push your child into a camp setting that involves the evening or an overnight stay before he is ready. There is no "magic age;" rather, parents are always the best judge of a child's readiness. Some children are ready at a very young age to spend a night away from home; others still prefer the routine and familiarity of their own bed at 12. Another option is to volunteer your services or serve as a chaperone so you can spend the night away from home with your child.

Familiarize your child with the new setting beforehand, if possible. If it is a summer care option, daycare camp, sport or cheer camp, or a resident setting, take your child to the location and provide a tour. Answer any questions and let her adjust to the idea that this will be where she will spend some time.

Encourage her to take a favorite toy and photo, pillow, or other reminder of home. (Be sure to check to see if this is allowed first, of course.) Even a pre-k camp of a few hours in the morning can cause some children to feel concerned about being away from home, and a favorite and well-loved item can bring security.

Reassure your child you will be there when the camp or activity is over. Be sure to keep your promise. Nothing is more stressful or potentially damaging for a child to be waiting...and waiting...for a parent to show up to take him home. If the camp is over at 3 p.m., be on time, or have a back-up plan in place in the event of an emergency or delay. Talk to your child where and when you will see her after the activity.

Remember that your child's reactions are normal. Homesickness is a normal reaction to being away from home for many child. Do not criticize a child for having this reaction, or tell her to "tough it out." Be supportive, reassuring, positive, and assure him that you miss him too, but will be happy to hear all the new things learned. For younger children, try and promote the upcoming activities planned, so they will be able to look forward to the new events. For older children, especially in the event of phone call home, keep focused on happier events. Regular contact helps--not hurts--homesickness.

Homesickness typically passes within a few days. Patience is a special virtue in the event of helping a child overcome homesickness. If your child really does seem to be stressed, not adjusting, or strongly resisting returning to the camp (in the event of a daily camp or enrichment setting), talk with the teacher or even director. Find out their thoughts and possible solutions. After all this, however, if it is not working out, let your child come home. You don't want to create a miserable experience for your child...and there is always next year!

Sources: San Antonio Express-News, KidsHealth, and the American Psychiatric Association