What to do when they go to camp?

[Janet]

Aw ,man. Most people in my situation would be happy. A whole week to do whatever you want, right?
Let me take a step back. I am the only parent to my soon to be 8 year old son. He has never been away from home for more than 2 days at a friends house. This week he went away for a whole week to camp. I am freaking out! I dropped him off at 11 am on Sunday and he hasn't even called me yet. Did he forget about his mom? Is he ok? I'm sure they would have called if he wasn't.
Why can't I just relax and enjoy this very rare time to myself? Why is it so hard to let go. He's still so young, why do I need to?
Sheesh-have any of you gone through this? It's not as easy as I thought it would be. Only 4 more days....
:)

[Dan]

Q: What to do when they go to camp?

A: go over to the "SEX...When to have it?" thread and figure out if it's time to have sex? ok, just kidding...

[Janet]

Well, at least you made me laugh! :)

[JustPeachy]

First - he's ok, he's ok, he's ok. Now that the important message is out of the way -- he's so busy having fun that he's not even realized how long he's been gone. If he's like most kids, part of him thinks you're right there with him as you've always been.

Curl up with a good book or a movie you've been wanting to see -- crack that bottle of wine -- get a mani-pedi. It's not easy but it's an important part in his developing independence (and for Mom to prep for those days when the trips are longer and the distance greater).

Don't be surprised if he doesn't call. It's not "cool" at that age. Enjoy your couple of days!

[Steve]

A couple of weeks ago i dropped my 10 year old girl off with her mom for a week, for the first time in three years. I was ;ost without her, to the point where i was forgeting to eat sometimes. I kept wanting to call her but i didnt want her mom to think that i dont trust her. I dont have any advise, all i can say is it will be over before you know it.

[Janet]

I can take comfort in knowing I'm not the only one going through this. I went up there tonight because it is his birthday, so I got to see for myself how well he is doing. I get to pick him up tomorrow night, thankfully. This is a camp he plans on doing every year, so I guess I will get used to it. I just don't know how you all that do share custody do it. The time apart is really way harder than I thought.
Tomorrow.... :)

[Andy]

My oldest son (10) just spent his first whole week away at camp, nobody he knew went with him, so i was kind of worried on how he would do, but he kicked me out of his cabin as soon as i got his sleeping bag up on his bed, and had a blast while he was there.

[Cyrus Haskell]

My kids just got back from a week with their mom on vacation in Florida. I was a complete wreck. I ate crappy microwave pizzas and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches all week when I remembered to eat. I went through a cycle of "The house is too quiet. I can't sleep." nights and "OK I didn't sleep last night, so I passed out on the couch at 7 p.m." nights. I enjoyed a couple nights playing poker and eating nice dinners with friends, but for the most part it was pretty hellish.

It just shows you care that you feel that way. Though I have to admit, Dan's suggestion was a pretty good one. :)

[Janet]

Yeah, I think that's how my week was too-almost exactly. I forgot to eat dinner a few times, fell asleep on the couch a few times and had a hard time with it being too quiet. I did enjoy a few quiet baths without being interrupted, played a few games on his DS and I finished a book. :)
When I went to pick him up, he was happy so I guess I will have to go through this again next year. I think it's especially hard for me because I do not share him with anyone. I certainly hope that this gets easier. :)

[Kristin]

Ditto to what everyone has said on this blog. I mean, really, how many closets can one clean out in 13 days? Mine have been gone for 10 days (only three more days to go!) and as much as I love 'alone time' - (a day here or there), it's been way harder on me than on them I'm sure.
Well, at least the house will be clean and de-cluttered when they return.
Glad he's home and had a blast!