Putting a Halt to Homesickness

Ivanhoe Newswire
Wednesday, January 3, 2007; 12:00 AM

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Summer camp and overnight trips can be an opportunity for children to gain confidence and independence. Unfortunately, they can also cause anxiety and homesickness. The key to stopping homesickness could be in prevention.

Research shows nearly 90 percent of children at summer camp feel some amount of homesickness. About 20 percent of children experience levels of distress so serious it can interfere with their ability to benefit from the camp or overnight experience.

A new study shows homesickness prevention and treatment can help children adjust to separation from home. Co-authored by Edward Walton, M.D., of University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and Christopher Thurber, Ph.D., staff psychologist at Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, the study reveals educating patients and children about homesickness and coping with separation lowered the intensity of homesickness in first-year campers by and average of 50 percent.

Unexpected separations from home, such as hospitalization, can be difficult to prepare for and can cause profound distress. Routine, planned separations, like summer camp, can help children gain confidence and independence and better prepare for unplanned separations.

There are several ways to prepare your child for time away from home:

• Inform your child about what to expect at the camp or hospital in advance. Information about different activities and events at the camp could help your child gain interest and excitement in the time away from home
• When possible, introduce your child to other campers, counselors or teachers ahead of time. A familiar face may help your child feel comfortable in a new environment
• Encourage your child to make friends and seek adults for social connection
• Don't express ambivalence or anxiety about your child going away. Your anxiety can influence their feelings
• Give children practice with time away form home, such as overnight visits with friends and relatives

If your child has health or behavior conditions, it's particularly important to ensure their medical needs are met when they are away from home. Here are a few things to remember if your child has special needs: