Well, we finally discovered why Small and Feisty was such a problem this weekend. We thought it was lack of sleep. It wasn’t. It was fear.
Tomorrow, she goes away to sleep-away camp for the first time. Now, she’s been to her Aunt’s before for multiple days, and she’s been to friend’s houses, but this is the first time with folks she doesn’t know, where she can’t get ahold of us. I know that she can do it, but I don’t think that she does.
I’ve been involved with this particular camp since 1969, when I attended, at her age, for the first time. I know that she’ll love it and have a great time. Yet I completely forgot how hard the first time is. I don’t remember my childhood well—this is one of the times that lack of knowledge has bitten me.
I don’t know how to work through the problem other than to reassure her and let her know I had a great time. Right now, my wife is cuddling with her and watching TV with her. If she falls asleep in our bed, I’ll move her when I go to bed (move my daughter, that is).
People forget that parenting is hard work. They see the sitcoms and think it is all easy platitudes. It isn’t. Its helping scared and screaming kids find their way safely through life, based on your experience. They don’t give you a good guidebook either. Somehow, most of us seem to turn out OK.
So, on to tomorrow, and “You’re leaving, on a yellow bus…” and the parking lot farewells.
