In the Good Old Summertime: The Dreaded Camp Phone Call

So you have picked out the perfect camp for your child, dropped them off 30 minutes ago and you are on your way back home when you hear the dreaded ring tones that indicates your child is calling from camp.  You pick up and they begin pleading with you to come and get them.  What do you do now?

My recommendation is to calmly listen to their pleas and as long as there is no danger to them, fight the urge to turn the car around and pick them up.  I assure you that a little separation anxiety never killed anyone.  Each year on the first day of school this phenomenon occurs as well.   I have seen it hundreds of times in my career as a guidance counselor.  One thing is true in ninety-nine percent of child who experience this, the crying stops within about ten to twenty minutes and they begin enjoying themselves.

Reassure your child that everyone experiences some anxiety when doing something new.  Encourage them to hang in there and just wait it out.  They may have not only have an awesome experience but do a process.