Son Goes to Camp, Dad Cries

Wow, your family doesn't ease into things, do you? Except your story. I was going along with the story thinking, yeah, that's going to be a tough week...I hope they prepared Fellow with weekends away or trips with a cousin or friend's family for an overnight or two. But...FOUR weeks? Yikes. How did you make that jump from summer at home to half the summer away? DO speak to him by phone and take what he says seriously. A week could be an okay experience, especially at a camp with kids he knows. Could grow into longer by the time he's 12 or so. Listen to him if he wants to come home. A month is a long time in child time.

I laugh at people that think going away for a 3 or 4 week camp is unacceptable. And this particular kid is a tween! Are you kidding me? Its high time the kid let go of those apron strings. I can understand being sad when they're gone - that's normal. But you don't want them to be away for the first time when they get to college either.
Mia - you have to understand that camping and scouting etc, are healthy, acceptable and wonderful opportunities fro children as young as 7 to participate in. They learn how to socialize, become more independent and actually learn something, instead of going to the town pool every day or hanging out in the back yard. My 13 yr old is at her 5th 3 week camp right now, and she LOVES it. Sure they miss their parents sometimes, but they get over it and enjoy time with friends, and develop great memories that will last a lifetime.

So true. It's time to loosen the reigns. He'll be alright.

Did you read this article all the way through, Nancy? And you still didn't get it? Maybe you could take some reading comprehension (understanding) classes this summer.

Nine years old and 4 weeks away from home? You should have stuck to your guns, dude. That's way too long for an 9 year old to be with strangers. Just five years ago he was still having a daytime bathroom accident or two. A 9 year-old still needs his mommy and daddy.

Michelle hit the nail on the head. At age 9, a month away from home, and for the first time, is a little too overkill. You guys should have started in smaller increments. I'm 64, and a month away from all my family sounds like a long time. Ever hear the expression, "moderation in all things"?

I agree with you. I have babysat my four grandchildren since each of them were born, and see the differences in them all. The youngest (3) could go away for a month with no problem! She's that type of kid. Her sister (10), on the other-hand, could NOT. She doesn't like to be out of her own home, even if she's staying with me she has trouble falling asleep. It would never work for her.Maybe Fellow needed this, but I agree that 4 weeks was wayyy too long in his situation. Wouldn't be the first time I was wrong, tho!!

Michelle TRUE TRUE TRUE!

ITs really not that serious. Ever hear of the Military? moms and dads leave thier kidsa ll thet ime, even new borns or kids are born while they are gone..... They all live and everyone figures it out. Kids respond to the situations they are put in based on thier parents reactions, it is learned behavior. The sooner they are taught to be independent and strong and cofnident in thier choices the stronger more well rounded more adaptable child you will have. I have sent my daughter to family, to camp, to friends, to girlscout camp and she has no scarring or trauma that will ruin her life- American families are such extrememist. We over baby and over coddle our children, we over praise and dont allow them to get knocked down due to enriching thier self esteem... We need less phsychology and more innate nature to raise our kids.

I understand the dad's feeling. this would be the very first go away camp for my 14 year old (just turned 14). but i wanted to start with one week and see things go. todays teenagers and having no access to the parents and communicating with any of their friends in think it would be difficult for them for that long period of time. i think I agree with michelle 100 percent. (yes most kids at age 9 need the paprents and their electronics).

Congrats. You are well on your way to being a true parent. You JOB is to raise independant, well adjusted kids who will be able to handle life and allit throws at them long after you are gone.
Now, you have taken a big step in the right direction! He will survive and so will you. Each will appreciate the other more when you get back together. I do agree with maybe 1 week for the first time and then additional weeks for future summers but it does work out either way. A big pat ont he back to a Dad who is really looking out for his kid's best interest rather than his own!

WOW, do you have kids??? Sometimes things just don't "click" until we have a child of our own. Of course there are different parenting styles, but FOUR weeks is a long time for a 9 year old!
I completely understand this father's feelings! I am a grandmother and have a bit of experience behind me. I learned quickly when I ran a daycare center for over 100 kids that some parents spend little to no time with their child. They would bring them early and come late. On days off they brought the children to daycare, so that they could relax and enjoy.
However, the MAJORITY of parents cherish each and every moment with their child and feel guilty leaving them to work.These are the kind of parents that I tried to lovingly encourage that everything will be ok. I feel very blessed to have worked with so many children and parents and especially thankful for the trust the parents had in me.

I don't think it's so much helicopter parents as a sign of the times. You really can't trust strangers with your children these days. There are too often stories of these people not giving a damn and letting kids get lost, hurt, or worse. Then you have the potential of your child being molested because one sick freak managed to slip through the evaluation process. Used to be parents could live in a security bubble, but now they know how dangerous the world can be, and they care about their kids.

Even when I was younger I wasn't allowed to go to camp it was considered unnecessary. I -wanted- to go, but was always told never gonna happen, but I understand why...my parents just wanted to be positive that I'd be safe.

I agree..3 years ago when I brough my oldest to college I was amazed at how these parents couldn't let go of them so the could go to college..They questioned and second guessed the administration to death at the orientation that finally the administrator came right out and said they are legally adults at 18 and no we do not mail report cards home or call you if they are sick with a cold. Your child is repsonsible for his school work and we will not hold their hand, it is their repsonsibility.Now for this kid, if this child was happy and excited to go to camp for 4 weeks that meant he was ready..It was his father that wasn't ready..Each child is different and while some might not be ready for a 4 week adventure away from parents this kid took to it like a fish in water..He will have the experience of a lifetime at camp and will always look back at it with fond memories..