My almost 6 year old just started day camp today . He is a highly sensitive child. He was a little reluctant to go, even though he is going with his older brother who is almost 7 years old. Older brother has been before. I really want my HS son to get a bit more confident and outgoing especially since he is going to Kindergarten this fall. Now I am sitting here feeling guilty like should I go pick him up or let him stay there and see how it goes. He was not crying just very hesitant. He usually settles in afterwards in most situations. Anyone with HSC out there that have ideas or are familiar with such situations. Thanks!
GREAT JOB MOMMY!!!!
You let him stay there....he's got his big brother to look out for him....
HE WILL BE FINE!!! Give him love and encouragement and tell him how proud you are of him when you pick him up today!!!
it will be OKAY!!
You did the right thing for his development. He'll tell you if it does not work out.
Even though he's sensitive he can socialize. He may be a very creative person. Art and music lessons will help him. Let him pick the instrument for it must suit his personality.
He's going to be fine and by the end of the summer, he'll be sad to say goodbye to his counselors and new buddies!
I worked as a camp counselor for many many years with young children (5 yrs old). The first few days are all about "getting to know you" and spending time talking about camp rules and activities. Have him continue to go and when you pick him up each day, don't sound tentative yourself... instead be so excited to hear about his day!
If you haven't already done so... send a note in with him to the head counselor with some background on your son. Don't make a huge deal out of it, but make sure that the counselors are aware that he may need some extra love and encouragement to try new things. I always appreciated having parents fill me in on these things so I could prep the hesitant campers ahead of time if they needed it!
He'll be fine!
Day camp is a lot of fun!
When ever I start feeling like this (and I went to over night camp a few times as a kid) I make myself listen to 'Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah'.
If your kids have a sense of humor, they should hear it every so often, too.
Chances are you are more worried than he is. My DD is 8 and she wants to go to camp this year, for a week. She is very sensitive and has trouble telling people if something bothers her and has a tendency to let people treat her badly and then bottle it up or just sit alone, and I'm terrified. She changes her mind often about going, but mostly she wants to go, and I'm sure there will be tears when it finally comes around and she may back out, however I don't plan on letting her, as hard as that is for me. I know she can do this and will be fine, and by pretending I am ok with it and that I know she can do it, I can help give her the confidence in herself that she needs. (she will also be with her 10 year old brother, so I know she has some comfort and protection if needed, lol)
It sounds as though he's doing good. I know with my daughter who just finished Kindergarten and has been in some situations where I worried and worried ended up doing great. She's never been the outspoken one, but she seems to adjust and make friends. She really surprises me, its amazing what your child will do when your not around.
I would not let him feel your concern or worry and just keep bringing up all the positives about camp. Even involving your older son...remember when you did that last year and that. Then let him go. You can always speak to the counselors and let them know if they feel he's not adjusting to have them call.
Good luck, I'm sure he'll be fine!
I say let him stay. Don't feel guilty, Im sure he'll have a blast. There are so many activities to keep them busy all day. Just be sure to ask him how his day was and what type of fun stuff they did. Be overly excited for him. I think its good for kids to get away from the house in the summer.
