If your kid is an experienced camper, encourage him to share what he knows with newbies. Being an ambassador or mentor affirms kids’ competence in a big way. Teaching a peer how to trim a sail or chip a golf ball out of the tall grass will take your son’s skills to a higher level. His confidence will soar in response.
Relatedness
Your biggest concerns about summer camp may center on the social scene. Your child may not know anyone on arrival. That’s okay. Camps create connections in many ways. Your kid will be instantly bonded with bunkmates because they share a home base. Family-style dining and friendly competitions encourage interaction, too. The pursuit of shared goals—like building a robot or putting a frog in the counselor’s sleeping bag—cements kids’ camaraderie. Extroverted kids may make lots of friends at camp. Less sociable souls may not. What matters most is that kids have opportunities to talk, play and live with a diverse group of peers. They won’t all become fast friends. Learning to navigate the choppy waters of friendship formation is a big part of the camp experience. Your kid’s social skillset will expand—even if she doesn’t find a new BFF. No matter what your kid takes to camp, he’ll come home with a suitcase full of memories and a renewed sense of self-determination. You’ll see it as soon as he wakes from his long post-camp nap. af Heidi Smith Luedtke, PhD, is a personality psychologist and mom of two adventurous kids.
Drop-In Childcare
Ages 18 months to 12 years old
Playful, intentional learning experiences Full-Time & Pre-K programs available Locations in NW and SW Austin
Register TODAY at:
www.KidSpaAustin.com Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
January 2017 l austinfamily.com
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