Fuel For Thought

Parents Get 'Kid Sick' When Children Go To Camp

Experts Offer Suggestions On Coping With Separation

CHICAGO (CBS) ― Summer camp season is here, and feeling homesick is all part of the experience.

But now, experts say many parents are feeling the effect too, in a phenomenon called "kid sickness."

One such woman is Paula Kendall, who is especially close to her children. She admits she feels a twinge of sadness as she helps them pack for camp, according to CBS station WBBM-TV in Chicago.

"They're not just their kids," she said. "They're my friends."

Kendall's son Dustin and daughter Emily are leaving home for six weeks this summer.

"I won't have my pals to pal around with," Kendall said. "I'm probably going to start crying as soon as I get out of the parking lot from dropping them off."

While it is expected that children will get a little homesick, parents may also be feeling some summertime blues.

"Parents get kid sick," said family therapist Dr. Bob Ditter. "They're used to hearing from their children and checking in with their children, and suddenly, that abruptly stops. So I think what happens is that parents experience this kind of emptiness."

The emptiness can leave parents leaving sad and alone. But the American Camp Association says focusing on the positive can help get you through.

"Think of all the great stories you're going to hear about the fun," said American Camp Association Chief Executive Officer Peg Smith.

The association suggests you should remember that separation is natural and necessary to help your child succeed later in life, and that there are benefits to going to camp. Meanwhile, while the kids are off having a good time, distract yourself with some fun too.

"Go to a play, go to a movie, meet with friends with coffee that you might not be able to do because you're always taking care of the kids," Ditter said.

Kendall hopes meeting with friends and remodeling her daughter's bedroom will be distraction enough. But if not, she has a plan.

"I'm renting children to come to my home to hang out," she said.

Experts also advise that when you feel a little lonely, you should remember that you sent the kids to camp to have fun - and even to give yourself a little break.

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