Why your kid doesn’t want to go to camp and what to do about it

During the summer, many parents send their kids to day camp while mom and dad are at work. Though many children love the experience and look forward to it, not all do. Here are some common reasons why some kids don’t want to go to camp and what to do about it.

BEFORE CAMP
Are your children saying they don’t want to go to camp before it’s even begun? Here are some possible reasons why they may be reluctant to attend:

They’re nervous
Talk to your children about how they’re feeling, empathize with them and let them know what they have to look forward to. You can then set up a play date before camp begins.

They don’t want to be alone
Try sending them to the same camp as a friend. If that’s not a possibility, reach out to the camp’s directors who may be able to put you in touch with other campers.

DURING CAMP
If your children decide out of nowhere that they don’t want to go to camp, this doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a serious issue. Becoming averse to camp may be due to the following:

They didn’t like something that happened
Maybe somebody said something your kid didn’t like, or perhaps your child was unhappy with yesterday’s activities. Asking your kid questions or talking to a counselor can give you an idea of what’s up.

They miss you
Sometimes kids want to spend more time with their parents. If it’s possible, try picking them up early once in a while, or consider taking a Friday off to spend together as a family.

If your child is adamant about not liking day camp, consider enrolling them in one that specializes in their favorite hobbies or interests.