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Parents are starting to think about signing up their children for a few weeks of swimming, hiking and arts and craft fun at summer camp. The excitement of summer camp, however, is often mixed with the anxiety of going off to camp – perhaps for the first time. Even kids who aren’t particularly anxious often get a little nervous as this summer event approaches.
The apprehension -- or excitement -- can manifest itself in dreams and nightmares and general irritability. But there are simple things parents can do to alleviate children’s anxiety, whether they’re heading to day-long camp or spending a few weeks away from home, note psychologists at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
"Even if your child is excited about going away to camp, it’s still can be stressful to leave home for an extended period," said Catherine Hutter, PhD, a psychologist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. "Parents should be on the alert for signs of anxiety, especially if their child was anxious about going to school." |
Dr. Catherine Hutter, MD, was interviewed by Katie Couric on NBC's Today Show for a segment about summer camp anxiety. She was also featured in an Associated Press article on the same subject. Dr. Hutter specializes in treating children and adolescents with anxiety or depressive disorders, treating pain disorders and counseling families of children with medical disorders or illnesses. |
Responding to Separation Anxiety as Kids Go to Camp
When kids leave home – whether it’s for a week or the entire summer – parents should expect some separation anxiety. To help your child adjust more quickly:
- Keep the good-byes short. Difficult as it may be to peel a crying, clinging child off your leg and walk out the door quickly, it’s the best strategy. Lingering just delays the agony and confuses the child.
- Camp counselors will assure you that almost all of these same children will start mingling with other kids within moments of their parents’ departure.
- Be a model confidence, yet show empathy. Make it clear you understand that being away from home can be scary, but show that you are confident your child will do okay. Kids pick up anxiety from parents, so if you’re anxious, they probably will be too.
- Focus on all of the good things about camp. Talk to your child about what he will do and learn over the summer. Remember, camp is about learning new things and meeting new people, all of which builds a child’s self-confidence.
Give the child something from home to bring with her. Whether it’s a love note, a picture of the family or even a parent-delivered kiss on the palm of the hand, a reminder of home will comfort some children. Be forewarned, however, that this tactic may have the opposite effect on some children, and make them pine for home all the more. Separation anxiety is normal at first, but if it lasts long or is having an impact on your child, more help may be needed.
- Be sure that there is nothing more serious going on at camp that may be upsetting your child. For instance, make sure he isn’t being bothered by a bully.
- Help your child reassess her anxious thinking. "Anxious children often have extreme thinking – worrying about the worst thing that could happen," said Dr. Hutter. Ask your child what her biggest fear is, and talk her through it.
- Ask the child to come up with his own solutions, like what would make him feel more comfortable – short of staying home!
- Get feedback and help from many sources. Talk to the child, the camp counselor, camp director, parents of friends at camp, etc. Find out how the camp addresses homesickness and ask for advice. The child’s pediatrician might have some good suggestions, too.
- Seek professional help. Having your child see a therapist for a few sessions doesn’t mean that he has serious problems, just that more help is needed. For instance, Dr. Hutter and her associates often successfully teach relaxation techniques to children who are extremely anxious.