Handling Homesickness

Homesickness: Helping Your Child Cope at Camp

A couple tips for parents to consider before your child leaves for camp:

If possible, visit the camp ahead of time so that your child will be familiar with the cabins and other general surroundings
Consider arranging for a first-time camper to attend with a close friend, relative, or camp "buddy"
Do not tell your child in advance that you will "rescue" him/her from camp if he/she doesn't like it
Discuss what camp will be like well before your child leaves, acknowledging feelings; consider role-playing anticipated camp situations such as using a flashlight to find the bathroom
Send a letter to your child before camp begins so he/she will have a letter waiting for his/her arrival
Allow your child to pack a favorite stuffed animal and/or picture so that your child will have a reminder of home

If adjustment problems (such as homesickness) do occur while your child is at camp:

Talk candidly with the camp director to obtain his/her perception of your child's adjustment
Resist the temptation to "rescue" your son or daughter from this experience
Acknowledge your child's feelings and communicate your love. You might say, "If you still feel this way in two days, we'll discuss what we can do."
Support your child's efforts to work out the problems with the help of the camp staff
Remind him/her, if necessary, that he/she has made a commitment
Trust your instincts: The occasional child who is truly not enjoying anything, having a miserable time and not adjusting to camp life at all should be allowed to return home after a reasonable amount of time and effort.