Parenting Through Summer Camp Worry/Anxiety

As both a mom to a 10 year old who is going to her first sleep away camp, a parenting expert, and a therapist who works with families, I know that getting ready to go to summer camp can be a time of mixed emotions and anxiety for parents and children alike. 

It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions when your kids are headed off to summer camp. They likely feel them too. However, it’s important to be conscious of not projecting our own anxiety or worries onto our children, potentially making it harder for them. 

1. Be prepared, but not over-prepared:

Trust your Parenting Work Thus far.  While it’s a big deal to send your child to summer camp, and the separation can feel difficult, it’s also a monumental time in your child’s life where they have the opportunity to practice independence, develop their unique personality, and build resilience. So, while it’s important to have a plan for what to pack and discuss what to expect with your child, it’s also important not to hyperfocus on the things that feel uncertain or out of your control. Doing so will only increase your child’s anxiety.

2. Discuss and normalize feelings of separation anxiety well in advance of camp! 

Normalize the mixed emotions that come with going away to camp by telling your child a story about a time when you went away as a kid, felt nervous at first, but ended up having a great time. You can also give them some ideas of what they can do if they’re missing home, like writing a letter or cuddling a meaningful object from home.

3. Assess your child’s level of anxiety. 

You know your child best, if child doesn’t seem anxious at all or doesn’t bring it up, don’t force it. Every child, just like every adult, has a different baseline level of anxiety and tolerance for uncertainty. While some kids might be anxious about leaving home and separating from their parents, other perfectly healthy kids aren’t too worried about it at all. Similarly, while some perfectly healthy kids are worried about making friends, other kids aren’t worried.

4. Lastly, and maybe most importantly, boost your child’s confidence and give them a sense of agency!

One way to do this is to remind them of the opportunity to be a leader or ally for other kids who might be feeling anxious about camp. Regardless of where your child falls on the spectrum of anxiety, kids love the opportunity to help each other. Not only will this make them feel like you believe in them (which is critical for their confidence and sense of self), but helping other kids will also distract them from their own feelings of uncertainty.