Sending your son off to Camp Winaukee for the first time is an exciting milestone, but it can also be nerve-wracking for both kids and parents. For boys ages 8-12, separation anxiety can feel particularly overwhelming as they navigate the balance between wanting to become more independent and still feeling attached to home. As a parent, it’s important to address these nerves with compassion, while also helping your son feel confident and prepared for the transition.

To support your child through this process, here are five resources — books, articles, and tips — that can help guide both you and your son through the emotional challenges of separation and ease his worries about being away at camp.

The Feelings Book by Todd Parr

Recommended Age: 4-12 years This colorful, upbeat book by Todd Parr is an excellent resource for helping children understand and express their emotions, including anxiety. The book breaks down feelings in a way that’s accessible for kids, helping them identify and name their emotions in a non-threatening, fun way.

Why it helps with separation anxiety: The Feelings Book offers a comforting approach to talking about the different emotions children feel in various situations. For kids struggling with anxiety about camp, this book can be a tool for opening up conversations about how they might feel when away from home. It gives them the language to express their feelings, which can be the first step toward managing those big emotions.

The Anxiety Workbook for Kids by Robin Alter & Lisa M. Schab

Recommended Age: 8-12 years

This workbook provides practical exercises and activities that help children identify their anxieties and learn coping strategies. It is specifically designed to help kids manage their worries through mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and other kid-friendly exercises. While it’s not specifically focused on camp, it can provide helpful tools for managing nerves and emotions in any setting!

Why it helps with separation anxiety: This workbook is perfect for children who experience recurring worries, whether it’s about school, sleepovers, or camp. It teaches kids how to challenge anxious thoughts and replace them with more positive, realistic thinking. By practicing these techniques before and during camp, your son will have the tools he needs to manage his anxiety when he’s away from home.

Raising Anxious Kids: Helping Parents Understand & Manage Anxiety in Children by John R. Sargent

Recommended Age: For Parents

This resource is an in-depth guide specifically for parents who are dealing with childhood anxiety. It covers a wide range of issues, from general anxiety to specific types of anxiety like separation anxiety. The book offers insights into the causes of anxiety, as well as practical advice on how to help your child manage their feelings effectively.

Why it helps with separation anxiety: As a parent, understanding the root causes of your child’s anxiety is crucial to helping them through it. This book will help you gain a better understanding of why your son may feel anxious about camp and provide you with tools to support him effectively. By understanding the way anxiety works in children, you’ll be better equipped to address it with compassion and confidence.

How to Help Your Child Overcome Separation Anxiety by Michelle T. D. O’Neill

Recommended Age: For Parents

Separation anxiety is a common issue among children, especially when they experience new situations like going to sleepaway camp. This guide provides specific strategies and techniques to help your child adjust to being away from home. With tips on how to prepare, how to stay connected, and how to manage feelings of homesickness, this resource will help both you and your son navigate the transition with less stress.

Why it helps with separation anxiety: This book is focused specifically on separation anxiety and offers practical advice for both parents and children. The advice includes strategies to ease your child’s anxiety before they leave for camp, techniques to help them feel confident in their new environment, and tips for keeping in touch during their time away. It’s a perfect resource for parents who are worried about their son’s emotional well-being at camp.

Separation Anxiety in Children and Adolescents: An Essential Guide for Parents by Boramir O’Neill

Recommended Age: For Parents This book dives deep into the psychological aspects of separation anxiety and provides step-by-step guidance for parents to help their children manage their emotions. It includes real-life case studies and evidence-based strategies that are grounded in psychological research.

Why it helps with separation anxiety: This guide is written for parents who want to better understand the causes of separation anxiety and how to help their child cope with it effectively. It discusses how to build your child’s confidence and independence, so they feel more comfortable during times of separation, like going to camp. For parents who are seeking a deeper understanding of the emotional process, this book is invaluable.

Additional Tips for Managing Separation Anxiety at Camp

• Normalize the Feeling: Let your son know that feeling nervous about going to camp is perfectly normal. Share examples from your own life where you experienced something similar and how you overcame it. This helps reduce the stigma and reassures him that his emotions are natural.

• Create a Routine: Boys thrive on routine, so helping your son establish a “pre-camp routine” in the weeks leading up to his departure can build a sense of familiarity. This could involve simple things like having family meetings, reading books together about going to camp, or setting up a special “countdown” to camp.

• Talk About Homesickness: Homesickness is a natural part of the camp experience. Encourage your son to think about strategies he can use if he begins to miss home, such as calling home, writing in a journal, or talking to a counselor. Prepare him mentally for this feeling so it doesn’t come as a surprise when it happens.

• Stay Positive: Remind your son about the fun and exciting things waiting for him at camp. Focus on the adventure, the friends he’ll make, the activities he’ll enjoy, and the confidence he’ll gain by stepping out of his comfort zone. Positivity and optimism will go a long way in easing his anxiety.

Feeling nervous before camp is a common challenge for children, especially when they’re about to embark on a new experience like Camp Winaukee. But with the right resources, support, and preparation, boys aged 8-12 can overcome their worries and learn to embrace independence.

By using these books and strategies, you can help your son feel confident, supported, and ready to take on the adventure of camp. With time, he’ll not only learn to manage big feelings and nerves but also gain valuable life skills that will benefit him for years to come.