In an era characterized by diverse parenting styles—free-range parenting, slow parenting, and attempts to recreate the carefree summers of the 1970s—many parents find themselves questioning their own choices. Last year, I shared my experience of sending my son to sleepaway camp for seven weeks. Initially intended as a humorous reflection on my anxieties about this significant step, I was taken aback by the mixed reactions. While some readers appreciated the lighthearted approach, others were quick to critique my decision. Comments ranged from “You’re making a mistake!” to “Summer should be spent with family!” These responses suggested that my choice stemmed from a desire for a stress-free summer, which couldn’t be further from the truth. The decision to send him to camp was fraught with deliberation and concern about its appropriateness.
As working parents, my husband and I find it challenging to balance our jobs with our son’s need for structured activities. Suggestions like “family trips to the beach” sound wonderful, yet are only feasible during my limited vacation time. Yes, I could have opted to leave my job, homeschool, and provide him with a summer full of unsupervised play, but that wasn’t our path.
My son thrives on activity; he needs constant engagement. While weekly sports camps could have filled his 13-week break, that wasn’t a viable option for us. He required independence and opportunities to interact with peers, make decisions, and navigate social dynamics without my constant oversight. Sure, there are alternative methods to foster independence, but we chose this route.
Living in a bustling city, my son also needed a connection to nature. While weekend camping trips could have offered some respite, the logistics felt daunting. Similarly, he required a break from technology; attending camp allowed him to be free of screens for two full months. I could have enforced a no-electronics rule at home, but we didn’t take that approach.
All of these considerations revolve around my son’s unique needs. Our family situation differs from others, and just like any parent, I strive to make decisions in his best interest. For us, an extended, structured experience away from home proved beneficial, and the outcome was remarkable—he had an enriching summer.
At camp, he swam daily in a lake and enjoyed camping in teepees. Initially shy and reserved, he transformed into a confident child, engaging in activities like soccer and spirited color wars. He forged new friendships and learned to navigate social situations, all while exploring in a safe environment that fostered growth.
It’s essential to recognize that families make decisions based on various factors, including financial constraints, work commitments, and individual child personalities. Instead of critiquing one another’s parenting choices, let’s celebrate the diversity of experiences that shape each child’s summer. For my son, that experience is once again sleepaway camp.
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Summary
This article discusses the author’s decision to send her son back to sleepaway camp, highlighting the importance of recognizing individual children’s needs and family dynamics in making parenting choices. The experience helped her son gain confidence, independence, and social skills, illustrating that every family’s approach to summer activities can be unique.