As parents, you want your child to be with you forever. However, they won’t be. These kids will one day get older and leave your home to start their own adventure. With that being said, there will be a first for everything for these kids to prepare them to be independent. Holiday camps are one of them.
Holiday camps can be daunting, but they are a chance for your child to make new friends and to prepare them to be independent. However, this can also backfire if some unwanted incidents are bound to happen. Instead of this event helping them learn how to be independent, it can work the other way to the point that they’ll be scared and will make them more reliant on their parents. So, how to solve this? Preparation is the key.
First, inform your child about this camp beforehand. What is happening here? What will be the daily schedule? What are the activities that existed in this event? Start by highlighting the fun part first so that your child won’t be afraid. Tell your child about the amazing moments, like making new friends. And then that’s where you tell the negative parts, like how certain incidents might happen, but assure them that the staff is there in case a child might get sick in these camps. But you have to reassure them that the staff is always there to help them. If your child feels interested in the topic, then you just passed step 1.
After your child agrees to go, then the preparation starts. Make sure to involve your child about this. Pack your bags together so that they know where their clothes, toiletries, and others will be placed in their bag. Despite doing that, you still have to label some stuff for your child to avoid confusion. And then make sure to add a comfort item, something like a stuffed toy or a photo.
Part of the preparation also involves daily activities before the camp itself. This includes teaching children how to dress themselves, brush their teeth, and keep up their hygiene. Basically, self-care. Try to also converse about roleplaying scenarios, wherein it’ll teach them how to make decisions and ask for help in emergencies. You can also do something like a sleepover at a relative’s or friend’s house to foster independence.
Of course, don’t forget to practice your child’s social skills. Otherwise, a child with poor social skills will just yield bad memories from this camp. For example, if your child is shy and not that good with words, then practice telling them to introduce themselves and ask them questions. Just keep conversing with them until they become more confident, as it’ll help them to socialize. Emphasize that they needed to follow the rules, treat people with respect, and also be kind. Despite all that, never trust strangers. That’s the most important lesson.
The hardest part is addressing that they’ll be gone in a few days from home. You have to assure them that it is just normal to be away from home from time to time. Tell them that you are excited to know what their adventures will be during the camp.