It is not a good idea to send your child away by force (maybe he or she is just not yet mature enough?). Once a child's first stay with peers away from home has been traumatic, he or she will certainly not want to go anywhere alone for a long time. Besides, if the attitude of the participant is negative from the beginning, it is unlikely that it will suddenly change.

It is also necessary to find out in advance at what age children usually go to a particular camp or holiday camp. It can happen that, theoretically, it is for children from 6 to 17, but in fact the vast majority are 12-13 year-olds, and there were no children under 10 or over 15 in the previous year.

As adults, let's make sure that our child takes all the necessary things with them, which will save them the stress of not having them. So:

• if it's a residential trip, let's give your child clean underwear for each day (and even 1-2 pairs of a spare set) - she won't have to stress about washing and drying clothes;

• clothes should be easy to put on (not, for example, a dress with a zip at the back, which we would have trouble fastening) and not the best and elegant (the child must not be afraid of getting it dirty or not);

• let's make the child's hairstyle so that she can do it herself (if necessary, let's cut or trim the girl's hair - it's difficult, the most important thing is that she will be able to manage it);

• pocket money should be neither too little nor too much (it is best to ask friends, who have children of a similar age);

• do not give your child a lot of sweets - after all, he or she has food on the premises, other children may be jealous of him or her and thus dislike him or her;

• don't forget the swimming costume (even if it has not been said that the children will go to the swimming pool) - its absence is a great stress for the child;

• find out in advance if the camp or summer camp offers parental visits, before promising to bring your child;

• let's give our child a mobile phone, a phone card or an envelope with a stamp, so that they can contact their parents;

• if you want them to send postcards to the family, write down the addresses;

• make a list with your child of things to take with them on the trip, and make sure they take it with them (you can stick it inside their suitcase), so that they can pack according to it when they leave;

• most children feel safer when away from home if they have a favourite mascot or pictures of their parents and siblings with them.

Camp or summer camp is a great test for a child's social skills and independence. It is important to remember that a child does not have to pass it with an "A". Even if your child passes with a "C", congratulate him or her on managing to stay away from parents for so long and being brave.