Top Ten Tips ~ Helping Your Child With Separation Anxiety & Shyness When Starting Summer Camp
Ideas Every Mom &
Dad Can Use This Summer!
Many children experience separation anxiety or shyness when
starting a new summer camp. The
transition from a familiar school to a new setting with all new teachers and
kids can be enough to spoil what should be a wonderful and fun summer experience
for your child. Here are a few helpful
tips you can use to help your child overcome shyness and separation anxiety.
#1 Establish
a positive mindset! In the days leading
up to camp, talk to your child about how much fun they will have. Your goal
should be to make camp sound like as much fun as a play date or going to an
amusement park. #2 This can be made easier by selecting a camp
which offers activities your child is interested in.
#3 On the
first day, arrive early, so you can take your time signing them in, introduce them
to the counselors and help show your child the layout of the camp. By taking the time to help your child
familiarize themselves with the camp environs, you help put them at ease. Show your child where to put their personal
belongings. #4 Stay with your child until he or she finds
another child to play with. You can also
be proactive and introduce your child to another camper and help initiate a
game they might play together. Most
camps have games and toys just for this purpose during supervised drop-off and
play times. By taking the extra time
with your child on the first day, your child will sense you are not in a rush
to leave and therefore will be less likely to feel anxious. #5 Also,
discuss with your child who will be picking them up and when, but do so before
arriving at camp as you don’t want your departure becoming an event. It will make your “goodbyes” simpler and less
stressful.
#6 For
parents who have children that are prone to crying when you leave, before
departing the camp site, ask a staff member to have an aide or a junior
counselor sit and play a game with your child.
By having your child engaged in an activity, you take their mind off the
stress of being separated from you. Oftentimes, this diversionary tactic is a
great way to make the beginning of your child’s day a pleasant one (and make your
exit a quiet and smooth one!) #7 Another great trick is to have your child go
to camp with a friend or two from school.
Sometimes their fears are eased because they know they will have someone to play with.
Of course, dropping a child off at camp can cause anxious
moments for parents, too. #8 So trust your judgment and know when it is
time to leave. Some children don’t stop
crying until a parent has gone. Over the
years at my summer camp, we have encouraged parents of these children to leave
the room, but stay out by their car until we give the signal that all is
well. In most cases this takes less than
five minutes. While it is true no one
knows a child better than their parent, a child will often behave differently
with a teacher than with their mom or dad. For many children, their sense of identity and
independence kicks in only once their parent leaves.
#9 Finally,
for nervous parents, don’t let your child see your anxiety. #10 Keep
the moment of departure very positive, tell them you love them and wish them a
wonderful day at camp!
PAW’s
award-winning camps for kids ages 5-14
include Musical
Theater, Guitar,
Magic,
Rock
The Mic, Filmmaking,
Photography & Stage
F/X Makeup!
PAW has 10 camp locations to choose from
including; Brentwood, West LA, Manhattan Beach, Studio City, Redondo Beach, El
Segundo, Pasadena, Burbank, Chatsworth, and Costa Mesa. For camp information call us at (310)
827-8827.
Performing Arts Workshops ~
the ultimate ARTS experience.
Part Art…Part Play…ALL FUN!
Part Art…Part Play…ALL FUN!
Comments
Post a Comment