[ENCORE] Ep. 52: 9 Ways to Help Kids Process Summer Camp and Other Experiences

<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4387" src= "http://sunshine-parenting.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/9-Ways-to-Help-Kids-Process-Summer-Camp-Other-Experiences.png" alt="" width="940" height="788" /></p> <p>In Episode 52, Sara Kuljis and I chat about ways to help our kids process experiences. The ideas work for post-summer camp debriefing but also for our kids' other adventures and experiences.</p> <p>Sara is a 20-year veteran camp director and parenting trainer who has great insights and ideas about parenting and counseling kids.</p> <p>Sara, with her husband Steve, owns and directs <a href= "http://yssc.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener noreferrer">Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp</a>, a Christian adventure camp for children ages 8 to 16 years old founded 45 years ago by Sara's parents Jim and Marna Slevcove. Together, the Kuljises also direct <a href= "http://www.emeraldcovedaycamp.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener noreferrer">Emerald Cove Day Camp</a> in San Juan Capistrano, a day camp that serves children from kindergarten through 4th grade.</p> <h3>9 Ways to Help Kids Process Experiences</h3> <ol> <li>Plan time to rest/process.</li> <li>Listen to their stories.</li> <li>Look through photos together.</li> <li>Ask thoughtful questions:<br /> • What did you enjoy/love?<br /> • What was challenging?<br /> • When (not if!) you do it again, what will you do differently?</li> <li>Avoid "interviewing for pain" (Wendy Mogel).</li> <li>Bring home a ritual or tradition:<br /> • Flower Sundays<br /> • <a href= "http://sunshine-parenting.com/2018/05/01/3-reasons-to-give-your-kid-a-wow-today/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WOWs</a><br /> • Goodnight Song</li> <li>Continue with an interest that's been sparked (archery, guitar, etc.).</li> <li>Create a remembrance.</li> <li>Encourage kids to stay in touch with new friends.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Books We Talked About</strong></p> <p><a href= "http://sunshine-parenting.com/2018/08/21/off-the-clock/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Off