Summer camp can sometimes be the hardest to label for because items like swimsuits, towels, flip flops can be tricky items to label effectively. We have a solution for labelling all the little tricky clothing items and accessories that go to summer camp. Because markers and tape won’t cut it for sleepaway camp toughness!

The Sleepaway Camp Label pack is a value pack of all the top-selling labels, 112 labels included, plus 2 tags!  Here is a breakdown of the pack and how to label with them for sleepaway camp. 

The Sleepaway Camp Label Pack:

What it includes:

10 Large Rectangle Labels
24 Small Rectangle Labels
70 Tag Mates Stick-On Clothing Labels
8 Shoe Labels (4 pairs)

How to Label Kids Camp Clothing:

Tee Shirts, shorts, sweaters, pj’s and underwear with care tag. The Tag Mates Clothing Label is perfect for all these items. They work for any clothing with a tag! These little name labels are waterproof and laundry-safe (not that your child will be worried about doing their laundry at camp – but parents can dream big).

-T-shirts
-Shorts
-Sweatshirt
-jackets or raingear
-Sweatpants
-Pj’s
-Swim trunks

The Sleepaway Camp Label Pack includes 70 of these little labels, so you’ll have plenty and can also use them on other smaller items:

-Chargers
-Pens & Pencils
-Sunglasses
-Sleeping bag
-Chapstick

How to label Kids Camp Toiletries:

Most small items like toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, hairbrush, etc.) can use a Small Rectangle Label. This way, you know that they won’t be grabbing for any blue toothbrush; they’ll grab the toothbrush with their name on it! Yay, no more germy swaps!

-Toothbrush
-Toothpaste
-Hairbrush
-Sunblock
-Bug spray
-hydrocortisone or other cream bottles

How to Label all your kids summer camp essentials:

Your kids will no doubt be heading to camp with a bag of camp essentials as well as “fun” items to share with bunkmates, special items that make them feel at home.

The ten Large Rectangle Labels (included in the Sleepaway Camp Label Pack) are perfect for these items, we recommend using them on:

-Flashlight or lantern
-Water bottle
-Book
-Journal
-Snack containers
-Clip-on Fan
-Lifejacket
-Shower Caddy
-Tarp

Can you label flip-flops, water shoes, or sandals for summer camp?

The Sleepaway camp label pack includes eight Shoe Labels, enough for four pairs! These round labels are ultra-durable and waterproof – so they’ll stay stuck in water shoes! Don’t worry about your kids wet, sweaty, sandy, feet. The labels will stay stuck even on the dirtiest kids’ feet!

-Running Shoes
-Sandals or flip-flops
-Hiking boots
-Water shoes

Clothing stamp for labeling kids’ clothes without a tag:

Finally, if you’re looking for another great eco-friendly option, Mabel’s Labels also offers a Custom Clothing Stamp. This is not included in the Sleepaway Camp Label pack, but always makes a useful purchase, for camp, school, daycare.
This stamp allows you to create your own custom label using non-toxic ink. Stamp the label on your child’s clothing item, and you’re good to go! This stamp is good for 500 applications, and each application lasts about 40 washes. It’s small and simple and is great for quick, last-minute, or on-the-go labeling!   For sending kids off to camp, this name stamp can be used for:

-Pillowcase
-Bathing suit (as they usually don’t have a care tag)
-Underwear
-Socks

This label pack the stamp and ANY other Mabel’s Labels products always have free standard shipping! Happy labeling, and happy camping! Looking for more camp info? Check out the Mabel’s Labels Camp Hub! 

The post How to Label for Sleepaway Camp appeared first on The Mabelhood.

How to find day camp options in your area

Start with an online search where you type in “[your city] kids day camps.” Begin researching as early as possible, as popular camps may sell out quickly.

Instead of settling for the same old camp as last year, investigate camps that are hosted by:

• Your city or municipality
• A nearby university or college
• The local community center, public library, or YMCA
• Kids’ activity program providers such as dance, gymnastics, martial arts, theatre, art, or computer coding
• Birthday party businesses, such as indoor trampolining, pottery painting or LEGO building
• Common field trip destinations, such as children’s museums, zoos or nature centers
• Youth sports associations, including team sports, individual sports, and aquatics

You can also collect ideas and recommendations the old-fashioned way — by asking around to friends, relatives, neighbors, and fellow parents at your child’s school or activities.

If you have your eye on a specific camp but registration isn’t open yet, add the date to your calendar or follow their social media feed for updates.

Choosing the right day camp for your child

There are many factors to consider when selecting a camp, including:

• Set a target budget and stay within it as much as possible. If your child has their heart set on a particular camp one week, you may have to select a more reasonably priced option another week.
• What are the travel and logistics involved? Is it close to home, or on your way to work? Is it easy to get in and out, with free parking?
• Each camp will have different drop-off and pick-up times, so check carefully to see how these align with your schedule. If needed, inquire if there is additional supervision available at the start or end of the day.
• Who is leading the camp, and what are their credentials? Do the on-site staff have First Aid and CPR training? What is the ratio of leaders to participants?
• It’s a wonderful bonus if a camp’s theme connects to something your child already loves, such as science, nature, performing arts, or technology.
• Does the camp require any specific equipment, clothing, or footwear? For example, a baseball camp might expect the child to bring their own glove and bat.
• Skill level. Is any prior experience required? If the camp activity (for example, horseback riding) is something brand-new for your child, make sure it is truly a beginner program, so they won’t be the only rookie in the group.
• Age groupings. Especially in sport and activity camps, it’s preferable to have age-limited groups (ages 5-6, ages 7-8, etc.). An “all ages” camp could be tiresome for a 12-year-old who will be surrounded by little kids all day.
• Physical demands. If your child is enrolled in a competitive sports program and has games or practices in the evening, it may not be practical to put them in a highly active camp where they are running around outdoors all day and are exhausted by 3:00 PM. In this case, a more sedentary indoor camp might help conserve their energy.

Day Camp registration tips

Here are a few extra suggestions as you navigate the registration process:

• Sign up with a friend. Reach out to the parents of your child’s closest pal and see if they want to register for the same camp. Benefit #1: added excitement for your child to be heading to camp with a buddy. Benefit #2: you and the other parent may be able to share the driving duties.
• Do your homework. Take the time to carefully read all the information on the camp website, including cancellation policies. If you have further questions or want to discuss special considerations for your child, contact the camp director by phone or e-mail. They want your business and will be happy to provide answers.
• Trust your instincts. It is fine to ask for your child’s input about the camps they’d like to attend, but you need to make the final decisions based on the many factors above. Your child could beg for a certain camp now, but have moved on to a different hobby or interest by the summer.
• Label everything.Part of camp preparation is making sure you have enough name labels on hand, so your child’s belongings aren’t mixed up or left behind. The Mabel’s Labels Day Camp Label Pack has two bag tags and 39 personalized labels in assorted sizes, to keep everything organized.
  

The advance work you do now on camp registration will help ensure that your child has a summer filled with learning opportunities, new friends, and fun experiences. Good luck and have a great camp season!

The post Day Camp Registration Tips appeared first on The Mabelhood.

Having two toddlers of my own, I used to find my kitchen closet full of different kinds of bottles, struggling to find the perfect one for each of them individually. While many of the bottles were brutally rejected by them, we eventually found a good fit for their respective needs. To help other moms going through a similar struggle, here are 5 things to consider when choosing a water bottle for kids this summer.

The Opening and Closing Style of the Lid: 

Bottles come with different ways to open the lid, and you would not want your child to avoid drinking water because opening it is a struggle for them. My younger daughter has low muscle tone and struggles a little with her fine motor skills, so I noticed that bottles with a bigger, softer and clickable push button to open the lid of the bottle works better for her.  

Bottles that require her to pull down the lever result in her getting frustrated. Something like the Thermos Funtainer Bottle works better for her than something like the Yeti Rambler Jr., only for this reason.

The Thermos Funtainer is easy to use, as she can easily close it when she is done. It produces a snapping sound upon closing that signals her that it’s securely closed to avoid leaking in her bag.   

The Material of the Bottle: 

My elder daughter, who is six years old, prefers using the Yeti over Thermos because she likes her drinks very cold. The Yeti bottles have double-walled vacuum insulation that helps keep the water cold throughout the day.  

The sturdy material has been working for us well because my daughter tends to drop her bottle a lot and has even cracked some when dropped hard. The Yeti Rambler Jr., however, has withstood many great falls without so much as a scratch!

Straw/ Sport Top/Wide-Mouthed:

My daughters’ pediatrician recommended encouraging her to use the straw to help her with her oral muscles. Therefore, she is much more comfortable now with drinking from straw bottles, over sport tops or wide-mouthed bottles. 

The water from the wide-mouthed bottle almost always spills on her while drinking, so a straw has always worked better for us. While choosing a bottle for your child, make sure that you check that they are comfortable with the kind of top it has. Some bottles require the child to pull on the straw very hard for the bottle to extract water, which can result in frustration, so that a wide-mouthed bottle might suit them better, like the CamelBak Chute Mag. However, these types of bottles only work well for children comfortable with water flow from the wide mouth.  

It is also important to check the material of the bottle’s straw before purchasing it. Some kids mindlessly chew on the silicone or plastic straw and can completely bite it off. The hard spout, therefore, worked better for this. 

The Size and Weight of the Bottle: 

As parents, we often think that the more water, the better! However, bigger bottles are often difficult to carry for children. They are difficult to attach to the side of their bag, resulting in them tripping over (I’ve seen it happen many times!) 

Finding a lightweight bottle with an optimum amount of water is a struggle. However, if you have a child who drinks a lot of water throughout the day, it is worth checking out the Takeya Actives Kids Insulated water bottle. The stainless-steel bottle comes in 12- and 14-ounce sizes, which is a little more than what most other water bottles hold and is also easy to manage by the children. 

How Easy It Is To Clean The Bottles:

A significant thing to look out for when purchasing a water bottle for your child is how easy it is to keep it clean. Bottles such as the Yeti Rambler Jr., Camelbak Eddy Kids Bottle and Thermos Funtainer Bottle are dishwasher safe, and their parts can easily be pulled apart to clean them. 

However, the Takeya Actives Kids water bottle is not dishwasher safe, so this might be a pain for some families.  

With so many options and various products available in the market, choosing the right bottle for your child can get overwhelming. 

However, keeping their personality and habits in mind while shopping will help reduce the risk of picking up the wrong one and avoid costly repurchases. It also helps to make your child practice drinking from the bottle at home so they are comfortable with it when they have to use it alone. Every child has different needs, and you will surely be able to find the one that checks off all their requirements.  

Don’t forget to label all your water bottles! Mabel’s Labels are all waterproof and dishwasher safe. They’ll help avoid lost bottles and the repurchases you’ve worked so hard to avoid. Plus, they come in several shapes, sizes and designs to suit your kids! 

Are you prepping for summer camp season? Check out this list of everything you’ll need! 

The post 5 things to consider when choosing a water bottle for kids. appeared first on The Mabelhood.

The benefits

Day camps offer a practical solution for working parents, as well as kids who may be prone to boredom at home. Here are a few compelling reasons to register:

Close to home. While some kids crave the adventure and independence of overnight camp, others may prefer a familiar environment where they sleep in their own bed.

More affordable. A Monday-to-Friday day camp typically costs less than a sleep-away camp that involves extra travel and amenities.

High structure. If your child thrives in predictable routines at school, they will likely transition well to the similar format of day camp, with an organized agenda of instructor-led activities, outdoor time, and lunch breaks.

Flexible evenings. With day camp, you can still enjoy your evenings together as a family. If your child plays on a sports team, they won’t have to miss any practices or games.

So many cool options. As you’re filling out registration forms, you may feel envious of all the neat things your child will get to do! If they will be attending multiple camps throughout the summer, you can keep it fresh by choosing a variety of themes and locations.

Specific interests. A week-long day camp lets your child immerse themselves in something they’re truly interested in, whether it’s science, technology, nature, art, music, or sports. An important bonus: over the course of the camp, they will likely meet friends that share the same passion!

Making your choice

There are many factors to consider when choosing a camp, and we’ve already compiled the top 10 considerations for this year. If you’re feeling unsure where to start, here are a few additional tips:

Buddy up. Seek recommendations from other families, especially the parents of your child’s friends. If they have rave reviews of a certain day camp, maybe the kids can sign up together.

Brainstorm. To cast a wide net in your search, think about places that host kids’ activities and birthday parties. Consider dance or gymnastics clubs, theatre groups, craft studios, nature centres, children’s museums and zoos. Check your city’s seasonal activity guide, along with other community locations such as libraries, churches, and community centres. If your child is the sporty type, inquire with your local sport association, aquatic centre, or university athletics program.

Ask questions. If the camp website or brochure doesn’t provide all the details, reach out to inquire about age groupings, number of attendees, leader/participant ratio, and pick-up/drop-off times (including options for later pick-up, if needed).

Getting ready

To assist you in preparing for day camp, we consulted Courtney Didier, Director of Operations, Outdoor Services for YMCA of Three Rivers. “All families receive a list of things to pack to ensure campers are prepared for activities in all types of weather,” she says. She highlights a few key items for your child’s backpack:

• Proper footwear. “Camp is very active, so running shoes are required for safe participation,” Courtney says, adding that sandals and slip-on shoes are only suitable for water play.
• Sunscreen, labelled with the child’s name. “We recommend labelling everything,” Courtney explains, “but sunscreen is the number one item that ends up in the lost and found bin every summer.”
• A reusable water bottle that your child can refill independently.
• A book or other quiet activity in case there is “down time” at the end of the day while waiting to be picked up.
• If relevant, a bathing suit, towel, hat and bug spray.

Pre-camp jitters

“We recognize that it may be a tough decision to send your child off to camp. Especially after two years of being very connected during the pandemic,” Courtney says. “Please know that camp staff members are here to answer any questions you may have- and trust us, we have heard them all!”

It’s natural to for kids (and parents) to feel nervous, especially if they’re camp rookies. “Most of us who work in camp were once campers ourselves,” Courtney notes. “We remember our first day of camp and understand that being dropped off at a new place with new people can be intimidating.”

The good news is, if you’ve done your homework and chosen a reputable camp, your child is in good hands. Courtney points out that YMCA day camp staff are certified in Standard First Aid and CPR, and all swimming and boating activities are supervised by fully certified lifeguards. “Our staff receive extensive training to prepare them to be safe, caring, engaged, and responsive,” she says. “When camp is in full swing, there will be a Site Coordinator or Director available to discuss your child’s individual needs.”

Chances are, your child will settle in and have a fantastic time. In fact, you may want to avoid scheduling a lot for the evenings, as they may be tired from their action-packed day. A kid who’s ready for bed after a day of summertime fun – now that’s a happy camper! 

Make sure to always ask if your Camp has a Fundraising Program. This one allows parents to buy their kids camp name labels, and the camp earns 20% commission!  

Never head off to camp without purchasing your camp labels! You don’t want germy mix-ups and lost items! 

The post Helpful Tips for Day Camp Rookies appeared first on The Mabelhood.

Here is a checklist of the things we think you need to consider when choosing the right summer camp for your kids.   

 1) Financial Decisions

This is often the top reason to select one camp over another. Day camp varies from approximately $25 to $150 a day. Some things that influence the price are the type of camp the location, but it’s also worth inquiring about the price. The following may be included in the price, making the high price tag fit your budget after all. 

 -Is any food is provided 

 -whether a bus service is provided  

 -Is there before and aftercare services if you require a late pick-up?  

 -Are day trip costs included

Depending on where you live, you may have access to YMCA camps, Parks and recreation, or other local camps that may offer subsidies.

2) Your kid’s interests

This is a huge deal. A big of summer camp as a kid is exploring areas that they don’t experience during the school year. There are so many great options these days. It’s a time when the kids who don’t thrive in the classroom can finally find themselves, and the kids who bounce off the walls all year sitting at a desk can finally burn off some energy at soccer camp. 

Everything from music, sports, language, outdoor activities, horse riding, coding, or even camps, especially for kids with medical conditions (diabetic camp, for example), there is truly something for everyone. Your job as a parent is to find the right fit. The right kind of camp for your child is easy to find; a quick google search of camps in your areas will bring you to all your options.

Finding a good fit means that you’ll send your kid to camp after the school year and see a new kid return. Stronger, healthier, happier, and thriving. We encourage you to narrow down the camp to fit the interest of your child, and you’ll reap buckets full of rewards!   

3) Safety and protocols

It is always wise to check any camps your considering for an ACA, OCA, or similarly accredited, depending on where you’re from. ACA’s accreditation This process evaluates the site, food safety, health care, transportation, management, staffing, and program elements such as water safety. These days, covid protocols is also top of mind. Again, this is something to look for and consider as you narrow down your search. In addition, you have every right to reach out to the camp director and ask about other health and safety protocols, the accreditation of their staff, etc. 

 4) The right fit for the family 

Some families find that sleepaway camp is the right fit; perhaps parents work late or travel often. Or maybe parents have more time during the summer and can enjoy family BBQs in the evening. This is a personal decision that only you can make. How will camp fit into the family life? 

 5) Logistics  

No matter how much we’d love to send our kids to the most ideal camp, it isn’t always possible. And you’re not a bad parent if you don’t select the perfect camp for your child; you have a whole family to consider, so drop the guilty feeling.  Make sure you consider: 

•  Camp times- can you make it work with your schedule?
•  Location- do you require public transport, do they offer a bus, do the times work with your schedule for pick up?  
•  Can you carpool with friends or family? 

 6) Multiple kids? You need to consider this.

 If you have more than one child, the camp logistics get a little more difficult if you send them to different camps. You need to consider pick-up times of multiples and all the logistics around scheduling. 

Sometimes, it can be great to send kids to camp at different times. That way, kids at home with parents, friends, or family can also get excellent one-on-one time.   

 7) Schedule 

Check the dates the camp runs and make sure it doesn’t coincide with a family vacation away, cottage time, or grandma’s visit!   

 8) Check the demographics 

Make sure the kids in the camp are of similar age demographic; a good rule of thumb is to age up, so don’t put your child with the grade they’ve just finished, but with the grade, they’re heading into. 

 9) Ask Around 

The best way to get an idea of a camp is to ask around and speak to other parents who have attended, they won’t hold back on any negative reviews, and it’s always a good sign when a child returns year after year. 

 10) Ask Your Child 

Maybe they have different thoughts about camp than you know; perhaps they’ve had their heart set on an overnight camp but have never mentioned it. Or maybe they want to attend with their best friend, or try horse riding?? It would help if you had an open and honest conversation about their desires, expectations, and what’s reasonable for your family. Make sure to involve them in the process! 

If you’re wondering about the overall benefits of camp, click here for 6 Reasons Summer Camp is Totally Worth it 
Don’t forget, before your head off to camp to get yourself organized!

The post How to Choose the Right Summer Camp appeared first on The Mabelhood.

But, even with all the excitement, getting kids ready for summer camp can be overwhelming. You’re probably asking yourself all sorts of questions. How should I pack? What should I pack? Scariest of all: what if my child loses everything? Well, I’m here to tell you what I tell all my Happy Camper Live campers: you can do it!

In this article, I’ll cover the six essential things you need to pack your camper on his or her first day, plus a bonus recommendation at the end. Here we go!

A camp bag

Okay, let’s rewind for a second. The first thing you need so your child is perfectly packed and prepared for the first day of camp is something to pack in! I recommend a mesh bag, which makes it easy to find items quickly. Ideally, the bag will have an exterior pouch for bottle storage. Usually, the more get-at-able a camper’s water supply is, the better hydrated he or she will be.

Enough water

Time spent running around with friends is fun… and tiring! Especially in the sweat-inducing summer heat. For this reason, it’s very important your camper stays hydrated. Make sure you pack a refillable water bottle!

Something to eat

First and foremost, I’m big on breakfast. Do all you can to send your camper off with a full belly. This will really benefit him or her during any play or physical activity happening before lunch.

You should also determine whether your child’s camp provides meals and/or snacks. (While you’re at it, ask about allergy policies!) If not, be sure to pack some nutritious bites for your camper, like carrots, apple slices, raisins, a granola bar (for kids), as fuel for the day. Snacks are also great for bus or van rides to and from camp, if relevant. It’s best to pack food in an insulated lunch box.

If you decide to pack your child a snack or meal, keep in mind he or she may need utensils and a napkin. 

Sun protection

At most summer camps, children spend a majority of the day outside. So, sun protection is a must. I always tell parents to apply sunscreen and lip balm with SPF to their children before dropping them off. Don’t forget to pack both the sunscreen and lip balm in your camper’s camp bag for reapplication after swimming and/or lunchtime. Sun shirts and sun hats are also great for keeping your child safe from harmful sun exposure!

An extra outfit

Summer camp is full of fun and adventure, which means things can get messy! It’s good to pack your camper an extra outfit in case anything gets ripped, dirtied, or dampened. What’s worse than walking around in a pair of wet socks and underwear?

If you know your camper will be swimming, send him or her with a bathing suit, swim shoes, and towels. Don’t forget the hairbrush!

Labels for everything

As a parent, you know some things leave home in your child’s hands never to return. But, if your camper doesn’t come home with his or her stuff at the end of the day, how can you pack for tomorrow? Once again, worry not! Mabel’s Labels makes a line of personalized labels specifically for campers to label all their things. With these labels, you’ll never have to worry about your camper misplacing his or her items again (okay, maybe not never again)!

If your camper gets home (with all of his or her items. Thanks, Mabel’s Labels) and doesn’t want the fun to stop, I do have one more recommendation: check out the virtual summer camp activities and adventures on Happy Camper Live! We keep the fun going 365 days a year.

Allison Corey Miller is a veteran camp director and the CEO and founder of Happy Camper Live. Her vision is to bring the magic of summer camp to every kid in the world 365 days a year.

The post 6 Things Your Child Needs to Be Ready For the First Day of Summer Camp appeared first on The Mabelhood.

Lunch Skins Reusable Snack Bags

I’m all about being environmentally friendly, creating very little waste and teaching my small humans to be the same way! This product helps with all of that.

Tip: If your camp requires a disposable option for a field trip, send a brown paper bag along instead of a plastic one.

Benadryl

Your little camper is going to be exposed to a lot of new things this summer – including possible reactions to plants, bugs and the environment. It’s important to be prepared for the unexpected, so I’m always sure to send along Benadryl’s topical and ingestible allergy products, just in case. It brings this mama peace of mind to know that my kids are covered when I’m not there, no matter what. 

Mabel’s Labels Waterproof Day Camp Label

Personalized, washable labels are a MUST-HAVE for day camp. You don’t want to lose all the wonderful supplies you’ve spent your hard earned money on and, believe me, the camp lost and found is a pit of disaster. Keep your kid’s stuff out of it by using durable labels that simply peel and stick to absolutely everything! All Mabel’s Labels camp label packs are also completely UV-resistant and waterproof, which is handy for all those items that will be left out in the sun or soaked in a pool.

Omie Life Lunch Box

Chances are your summer is not going to give you a break from packing lunches. But the good news is, these lunch boxes are cute, functional, reusable and they make every little camper want to embrace the litterless lunch!

Tip: These lunch boxes pair perfectly with the adorable new Lunch Box Labels from Mabel’s Labels!

SoYoung Lunch Bag

If you go the lunch bag option, SoYoung’s Lunch Bags are adorable, eco-friendly and most importantly: Machine washable!

Mabel’s Labels Mini Clothing Stamp

If you have a lot of clothing items that are going to camp, this is a quick and easy solution that only takes one press, with no mess. The Mini stamp is long lasting and laundry safe, so once you’ve stamped a name onto your kid’s clothing, you don’t have to think about it again! This is a must-have product for moms of camp-goers of any age!

MadeGood Snacks

When packing lunches for your kiddos, be aware of children with allergies at camp. MadeGood snacks are allergy safe, gluten-free, dairy-free, peanut and nut-free. They’re also healthy while still being delicious, I promise! There are a variety of flavours to pick from and they’re a great on-the-go snack for busy summer days.

What are some of your favourite camp must-haves? I hope your sweeties all have a wonderful camp experience this summer. And whenever you’re feeling guilty or sad about them being away, just remind yourself that they will be making fun memories and great friendships that will last a lifetime!

The post 8 Must-Have Products for Summer Day Camp appeared first on The Mabelhood.

My newly minted eight-year-old will be going to sleep-away camp for the first time, for two weeks at the end of August. He will be my sixth child to attend sleep-away camp, and I find the same old worries creeping in. I knew I had to prepare myself for kids going to sleep-away camp. So, I’m reminding myself of three things:

He might evolve

This kid is my picky eater. I’m pretty sure he will starve for the entire two weeks. While one side of me is convinced of this, the other side knows that he might just start eating what everyone else is eating and come home a different kid at the dinner table.

This is not about me

He’s only eight. I’m honestly not ready for him to go. But here’s the thing – many years ago when I told the camp director that I was not ready for my oldest child to go to camp, she looked at me and said, “I’m sorry Julie, this is not about you being ready. This is about your child being ready. Don’t make this about you.” OH SNAP! I got schooled!

Even if I’m not ready, I better fake it ‘til I make it.

The last thing my kid needs is an emotional mother holding on to him for my own crazy mama reasons and preventing him from gaining valuable life experiences. So, I will tell him I’m ready for him to go and that although I’ll miss him, I’ll be just fine. Kids don’t need to be at camp worrying about how their mothers are coping without them!

Sending my last little one to camp is a big step for this mama. This is my baby and I’m feeling it. Hard.

What worries do you have being away from your kids, whether it’s camp or even a sleep-over at Grandmas? Has your child had some nights away from you yet?

Looking for more tips to get your little ones ready for camp? Check out The Camp Hub here.

The post Sending My Last Child to Camp: Three Reminders To Myself appeared first on The Mabelhood.