Helping Your Child Build Resilience and Adaptability at Camp
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By PAGE Editor
Sending your child off to a camp can be emotional and stressful, especially if it's their first time attending a camp. Your child might not seem ready; however, prolonging this is not the solution. You need to find a way for them to build resilience and to be able to adapt to everything a camp offers. This will prepare them for all the following life difficulties, and they will build resistance that will make their life much easier. But, you might be wondering how to actually achieve this? Well, if you need some help, this text is there for you.
Make sure they know what to expect
The first step is always making sure your child knows what that camp might look like, what the activities and responsibilities are. Can you imagine starting a new job, and you have no idea what it's about? Of course not, it's the same with children and summer camps, not talking about this with them can lead to them being anxious and scared because they don't know what to expect. Be included as much as possible, help them by encouraging them to find a summer camp guide that will make it easier for both you and them, as they will choose the camp they like the most. Take some time before the camp to go through all the important details, be there for any questions, encourage them to research and read other children's experiences, which might bring them one step closer to enjoying this new experience.
Don't be too harsh
Sometimes, parents forget that even though something might not seem so bad in their heads, it can cause real problems for their children. Be understanding and encourage your children to express their emotions, even if it means expressing dissatisfaction and fear. The thought of being away from home can be really overwhelming; however, make sure they know that giving that camp a chance can change everything. Focus on both, accepting their discomfort and ensuring they know they can meet friends for life there, and do things they never did before. Make sure they feel heard and encouraged at the same time.
Are your children ready for such independence?
You know that you won't be there to assist them with some basic tasks, and they'll basically have to do everything on their own. Are they ready for this? If you believe they're not, then you need to take some action before it's too late. Let them do something on their own. For example, let them fold their own laundry, organize and pack their bags, but also point out the importance of managing their own sleep schedule because this will, later on, help them feel capable of such a journey, and it will be much easier for them to adapt to such surroundings.
It's not done when you send them to the camp
What many people believe is that their part of the job is done once their children leave for camp; however, that's not true. There are some more steps you need to take if you want your children to become independent and able to adapt to different surroundings. You need to know that as much as this is difficult for your children, it's as difficult for you, but you shouldn't give up and should give them time to adapt to all that's new to them.
What to do after the camp?
Now, when you go through all this, and your child is home again, then you need to know that there's one more stage left, because you want these results to be long-lasting instead of just establishing resilience for this particular situation. Sit down with them, let them talk about their experience. Acknowledge their feelings; however, make sure they remember how they felt before the camp. Reflect on their previous fears, and point out to them that all the fear and anxiety in the end proved to be only something that has been stopping them from experiencing everything to the fullest. This way, they’ll be more likely to enroll in such activities more often, and this participation can have a huge impact on their social and business life.
One thing you should always keep in mind is that summer camps aren’t only about fun and interaction; this is something that has a huge impact on your child’s mental development. Encouraging them to participate and helping them build resilience isn’t easy; however, it’s possible if you learn what steps to take and how to support your children when they need it the most.
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