Homesickness

[colorguardfreak04]

Sorry that this post is off topic and not about disney, but i wasn't sure where to put it. I was wondering how normal homesickness was. I'm 15 and i still get very homesick. This summer i'm going away to band camp for a week and i'm nervous. I went last year and spent almost everyday in tears on the phone with my mom. I mean is it normal at all for a 15 year old to still get that homesick. I was also wondering if anybody had any suggestions to help me ease that feeling of wanting to be home.

 

[MSSANDRA]

Don't worry. There are a lot of 15 year olds that still like to be with their parents. My DS still gets homesick and really does not like to go off for more than a night or two. Sometimes you have to make yourself do some of these things but know that your feelings are normal. have fun!!!!!!!

MsSandra

 

[goinback]

I am 33 years old, and last year when I went on a ladies trip with a bunch of women, I missed my husband and kids so much that I wanted to go home the first night! I do think it is normal. Different personalities deal with being away well.......differently. I also agree that you should try to do this camp thing. The more you go away, the easier it will become. Try to limit your conversations with mom, I think that may make you more homesick. When you feel that feeling creeping over you, try to concentrate on an activity or something you are looking forward to. If it hits at night, (usually the worst time!) reading a great book can help you get your mind off home. Not knowing your religeous pref, I do not wish to offend you, but for me, prayer when I am lonely or afraid is ALWAYS a huge help! I hope you can go and have fun! I'm rooting for you!

 

[bgirl29]

Everyone is different, and yes I think it is perfectly normal to miss everyone at home when you are away. I just wanted to add that any camps my kids have gone to the do not allow them to call home. At least in the camps experiences it is easier I guess if you just dont call at all. I think the more you do something the easier it will become for you. Also do you go to camp with a friend? My daughter who is 12 loves to go if she has a good friend to take along as a bunkmate. Good luck to you, I hope you have a great time camping.

 

[mommic32]

Can I tell you as a mother, Going away is a tough decission, BUT the memories, friends and experiences you will have/make makes it worthwhile!

This summer my youngest daughter is going to camp for a week, She is 11 and having a tough time as well! Every year we drop my oldest daughter off and every year my youngest gets sad, thinking that she will go next year, well this year she decided she is going, I am so proud of her, IT was a tough decission, and I think the only was she decided to go was to be in a cabin with her friend, Like the previous poster said, Can you bring a friend?
Also, limit talking to your mother and keep BUSY! I think the busier you are, the less time you have to think about home.

Can I also say, Enjoy this time! It will go bye fast!

 

[carissanboys]

I use to have problems with feeling homesick (even at my own mother's house...I lived with my dad full-time) and it's not a fun feeling, is it? I'd say the best ways to deal with it are to immerse yourself in fun activities to keep your mind off of home. I'm sure at camp they must have counselors you could talk to when you're feeling really homesick? Make sure you bring something from home that will comfort you. It could be something small that you could carry in your pocket.

I'm 33 and I still get homesick. We lived in Australia for 3 years and I came to feel that it was my home. We moved back a year ago and I felt terribly homesick. It's gotten better over time. I find that staying busy and finding lots of fun things I enjoy doing helps a lot.

Good luck hon and if you need to talk more about it, feel free to PM me.

 

[tammy1210]

That is one of the worst feelings in the world and I'm sorry that you have to worry about it. I remember when I was 15 going away to FCA Leadership camp for a week - it was the first time I felt what being homesick was. I was even that way for about the first month of college - but I agree with another poster about limiting some of the calls - it will make it easier, and the more you go away the better it is. You have to really try to involve yourself in activities and don't stay in your room too much alone - nights were the worst for me. It will get better - you just have to have the right mindset going in - and it sounds like you're already trying to do that! Good luck and enjoy it!

 

[mdsouth]

I agree with everyone here. IT is very normal.

Take something along with you that reminds you of home but don't overdo it! I remember going to a one week summer camp when I was your age and the girl I ended up rooming with brought everything! Bedspread, all her stuffed animals, tons of photos, etc.) and this was only for ONE Week!

The best thing to do is to limit your calls to your mom -- the calls make you MORE homesick and to keep busy!

Enjoy yourself Make sure you do as many activities as possible -- and don't just stay in your room by yourself or on the phone all the time. Use the time to socialize with others that are in the same situation as you - away from home without knowing anyone! You will be amazed how easy it is to meet new people in this situation and how much fun you can have. It is easier to talk with people that are in the same boat as you == easier than talking with kids at your school that you have known FOREVER, yet are not friends with.


Take Care