How to Deal With Homesickness - Home Sick ?

<p>First time on their own. &nbsp;2nd or 3rd night at summer camp – Most new Scouts develop self-imposed anxiety or homesickness when a routine has been established and the scout is not occupied with activities. Adult leaders need to be ready for this eventuality. Remember a Scout IS Friendly, Courteous, and Kind and that holds true for the adult leaders too.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Symptoms</strong>: Sad, crying, irritable, oversensitive, or acting depressed.&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>Causes</strong>: Immature separation anxiety (ISA), self-imposed worrying, and feelings of depression. &nbsp;</li> <li><strong>Treatment</strong>: Compassion, understanding, listening skills, reassurance, and time. Buddying up with more experienced scouts helps. &nbsp;Keeping the schedule to a limited downtime. &nbsp;</li> <li><strong>Recovery</strong>: Self-reliance, control skills, and mental maturity. Able to handle depression and sadness better.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Before you go</strong>: Setting up the right frame of mind will help them cope with homesickness. Parents have the <em><strong>“away talk” </strong></em>before they leave. Don’t tell them that you will miss them…<strong> (even if it's true.)</strong> Just don’t bring it up. Reassure the scout will have a good time and it will go by quickly. Soon they will be back home wondering if they ever were at camp. &nbsp;Use words like “adventure” and “exciting” when talking about the upcoming trip. &nbsp;Reassure the scout that chores around the home and pets will be taken care of during the short time they are away. &nbsp;Let the scout know you will be OK and will see them soon. <em><strong>“I can't wait to hear the great stories of your exciting adventure.”</strong></em></p> <p>Sending care packages? – I would only recommend one care package if any. Some parents hide a note in their scout's packed underwear or shower towel. Some parents go as far as to put money in the envelope. It's always a big surprise to the scout when they find it and a disappointment when the parents