Sleepaway Camp Jitters? Conquering Anxiety with CBT

Is your child's sleepaway camp adventure approaching, and you're both feeling a flutter of anxiety? It's completely normal! Separation, new routines, and unfamiliar environments can trigger worries in both children and parents. But fear not, there are ways to strengthen our BRAVE muscles (just like cultivating any other muscle!) and navigate these anxieties with the help of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques.

Creating a Strong Foundation: Connecting with Your Child

• Building a Relationship - The first step is to create a safe space for your child to express their worries. Here's where nurturing a strong parent-child connection comes in:

• Attention: Schedule focused, quality time to connect with your child before camp. Engage in activities they enjoy, creating positive associations with the upcoming experience. This child-led “play” creates a space where children can feel more open to sharing thoughts or worries they have. Remember, quality trumps quantity – even a short, focused conversation can make a big difference

• Validation: Acknowledge their emotions and let them know it's okay to feel anxious. Suppressing emotions can intensify them.

• Exposure to Emotions: Help your child learn to tolerate and manage their anxiety, rather than avoiding it altogether. Validate their feelings, but also gently encourage them to confront their fears in small, manageable ways.

This approach equips your child to navigate challenging emotions effectively, building resilience that extends far beyond camp.

Remember, You're a Team!

As a parent, you play a vital role in supporting your child's emotional well-being. Here are some tips for you:

• Lead By Example: It's natural to feel a pang of worry as your child embarks on their sleepaway camp adventure. Remember, your child is likely picking up on your cues! By managing your own anxieties about separation, you become a powerful role model for emotional well-being; If you are open about experiencing emotions and being okay with tolerating both your own and your child’s emotions your child will have an easier time navigating their own emotions effectively.

• Focus on what your child is excited about:  Ask your child about the fun activities they're looking forward to experiencing at camp.

• Develop a communication plan: Decide on a comfortable communication frequency (e.g., phone calls, texts, postcards) that eases homesickness without feeling overwhelming.

• Pack a comfort object: Let your child bring a beloved stuffed animal or a photo of the family to provide a sense of security.

Camp is an amazing opportunity for growth and independence. By equipping your child with CBT tools and offering your unwavering support, you can ensure they have a fantastic and enriching camp experience!

***Helpful Last Note: Many camps offer the option for campers to continue therapy sessions while away. If your child benefits from therapy, reach out to their clinician before camp to discuss coordinating care with camp staff. This can provide additional support and ensure a smooth transition for your child.