About Homesickness
What causes it?
How can you prevent it?

About Homesickness
When children and teens are away from home for the first time, perhaps to a friend’s sleepover or to summer camp (either as a camper or as a counsellor), there can be some excitement mixed with anxiety.  If being away from home and family is a new experience, many (if not most) will experience homesickness. 

Homesickness is defined as “distress and functional impairment caused by an actual or anticipated separation from home and attachment objects” (i.e., parents and sometimes pets).  Its major characteristic is worrying about home. 

Homesickness starts with an actual or expected separation from home.  It is so common that it is not considered a disorder, unless it causes severe symptoms.  It does, however, cause distress that could discourage further venturing away from home. 

However, separation from home and family is part of growing up. Children need to learn skills to help them through it so they develop a healthy sense of adventure instead of becoming fearful.  Helping children and teens get used to separation is one way of setting them on a path to independence.

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