Helping Your Child With Separation Anxiety & Shyness At Camp

Top ten tips to conquer this common summer camp stress!

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 environment, 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 in the hallway or parking lot 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, Filmmaking, Guitar,  Magic, Photography, Rock The Mic, Stage F/X Makeup, Debate Camp & Camp LOL!

Trusted for over 30 years, PAW has 10 camp locations to choose from including; Brentwood, West LA, Manhattan Beach, RPV, Redondo Beach, El Segundo, East Pasadena, Old Town Pasadena, Northridge, and Studio City. For camp information call us at (310) 827-8827 or check out our website at www.PerformingArtsWorkshops.com.

Performing Arts Workshops ~ the ultimate ARTS experience.
Part Art…Part Play…ALL FUN!