Monday, April 30, 2012

Homesick and Happy

Michael Thompson has a new book out, one that will resonate with many of us frantically putting the finishing touches on summer plans.  Although this is not the topic of his Wednesday May 2nd Talk (that will be based on his book, Best Friends / Worst Enemies) his philosophy and years of research highlight some similar insights for parents -- sometimes we support our kids best by getting out of their way.



Homesick and Happy

How Time Away from Parents Can Help a Child Grow

Published May 2012


An insightful and powerful look at the magic of summer camp—and why it is so important for children to be away from home . . . if only for a little while. In an age when it’s the rare child who walks to school on his own, the thought of sending your "little ones" off to sleep-away camp can be overwhelming—for you and for them. But a parent’s first instinct—to shelter their offspring above all else—actually deprives children of the major developmental milestones that occur through letting them go—and watching them come back transformed.