Help Desk Spring ’09

question_marks Welcome to the Kids Enabled Help Desk – where readers go to ask questions about what is important to them. The 2007 fall issue gave the first opportunity for you to ask and be answered. The following is the question that was chosen and a synopsis of the answers from our panel of experts.

Send in your questions today! Win a $25 gift certificate if your question is chosen. You ask the questions – We provide the answers!

The first time away at camp can be scary. The KE panel of experts offers time-tested tips for getting your child ready and excited about his big adventure!

Question:

My child is very nervous about her upcoming overnight camp experience. What can I do to ease her anxiety and get her excited about camp?

Answers:

amysherman To help ease her fears and nervous feelings, it may be helpful to take your child to the camp ahead of time. Let her explore the sleeping quarters, the lunch area, and all of the other places where she’ll have classes and activities including the swimming pool and hiking trails. If possible, see if you can set up a tour with a guide. Talk to other children who have been to camp and can share their experiences. If feasible, get one of her buddies to go to camp with her. That way, they can share their fears and look forward to the experience together.

- Amy B. Sherman, M.A., CCC-SLP, KE Editorial Advisory Board Member

drpennyhayes Try to find out specifically what she is most nervous about and play the “what if” game. For example, if she says, “I’m afraid I’ll really miss you!!” then you can re- spond, “Ok, what can you do about that?” Help her form a game plan to deal with her homesickness such as, writing a letter home, hugging a teddy bear or talking to a friend.

- Penny Hays, Ph.D., KE Editorial Advisory Board Member

lauriesmith Acknowledge these feelings are normal and temporary. Help your child make a list of special things she can do at camp to ease her nervousness. Make sure the list goes with her to camp, and give a copy to the counselor. This way, the counselor will know some special details about your child and can help her as well.

- Laurie Smith, Parent Representative, KE Editorial Advisory Board Member

shahnoorsdharamsi Try to find out the camp schedule ahead of time. Your child may be afraid about her routine changing and discussing the daily schedule may assist in decreasing her nervousness. Discuss the activities your child will get to do. Try some of the activities at home, and use the time to discuss her anxiety. Help your child learn some relaxation techniques she can use at camp.

- Shahnoor Dharamsi, M.S., OTR/L KE Editorial Advisory Board

gayleborn Plan some overnight and weekend sleepovers with friends and/or relatives. This will help your child learn she CAN survive without mom and dad. Make shopping for special camp clothes and equipment an event. Help her pack special items to remind her of home – a special blanket or stuffed animal, pictures of the family and special notes to read each day at camp. Share with camp staff special ways to help alleviate your child’s anxiety.