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Lessons from sending your child to 'Camp Nana and Papa Bear'

Posted: Wednesday, July 29, 2009 11:18 AM by Alicia Ybarbo
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From Alicia Ybarbo, TODAY producer & co-author, TODAY'S MOMS:  Essentials for Surviving Baby's First Year

Two weeks ago my husband and I dropped off our six-year-old son, Jack, and his grandmother at the airport.  My mother had flown in from California to pick him up and take him back to her house in California.  Jack was on his way to enjoy a month at “Camp Nana and Papa Bear” (as they're affectionately called).

Going off to camp – or anywhere for a long period of time - is a rite of passage for many children in America, but this was a totally new experience for my family.  Emotions were high as my husband, daughter and I left the airport…with a noticeably quieter car.  I looked back to see Jack standing on the curb with Nana, both of them smiling back at us.  As my eyes started to tear behind my sunglasses, Jack’s arms were excitedly waving goodbye.

My little Jackieboy would be gone for four weeks, until we went out there to pick him up.  Count them -- four!  Did we really just decide to let him go for that long? What if he wanted to come home before we went out there to meet him?

When we travel to California (usually for a week at a time) our time is spent running between family and friends, carefully orchestrated by a day planner and watch.  But with four weeks on the clock, Jack's trip would hopefully prove to be different.  He’d have plenty of time to enjoy with his grandparents, aunt, uncles and cousins.

That next Monday at work my colleague, Ada, asked me how Jack's departure was.  When I immediately welled up she said, "You looked back as you drove away, didn't you?"  Another colleague jokingly chimed in, saying that my husband would be on a plane to California before two weeks were up. 

To find out if our decision was a good one, I consulted with Dr. Ruth Peters, Ph.D., who is a TODAY contributor and clinical psychologist.  She said, "I think that it's wonderful that Jack gets this adventure, being in California with just his grandparents. It may be a bit too long, but if he's enjoying himself then why not? This teaches independence and self reliance."

A bit too long?  Aargh!  The kid barely left and already I screwed up!  All sorts of thoughts raced through my mind:  Is he going to feel stranded out there?  Will this be something that scars him for life?  I want this to be a positive experience for my son, not a regretful one.  But then Ruth followed up with, "It's nice that he gets some alone time with his grandparents.  I think it all depends upon how he's doing.  Some kids can spend time away from parents and feel really special but if he's homesick….don't make a big deal if it. Just let him come home early if necessary."

We’ve just celebrated the midway point of Jack’s trip (two down, two to go), and he’s having a BLAST!  Here are a few things we've learned (so far) from this experience:

1. Take yourself out of the equation.  We consider this a gift to our son and his grandparents.  It’s his time to build a stronger bond with his grandparents while creating memories to last a lifetime.  Selfishly, I sent him out there with a fun little journal and asked him to write one sentence every night.  That will be fun for us to go through when he gets back.   

2. Set ground rules with Grandma and Grandpa regarding calls home and Skype (p.s. Skype is awesome).  I’m embarrassed to say I had to scold my darling mom one night when we didn’t hear from them or our son for more than a day.  When we finally tracked them down, Nana said Jack was having too much fun to call.  I snarled back with a “Well it’s your responsibility to have him stop what he’s doing so I can hear his little voice.  Okay, love you.”  First thing in the morning and last thing at night usually work best for calls home. 

3. Take advantage of the one-on-one time you have with your other children.  Our daughter Lucy shared often in the first few weeks that she missed Jack, but when that happened we’d call Jack or draw him a picture.  The upswing of Lucy being the only child at home: meltdowns have almost completely disappeared, she doesn’t have to compete with anyone for attention and dinners out with her are actually a joy!

4. Plan a date night with daddy. Mark and I have always had a good system with date nights, but we’ve added one additional night a week to go for a quick bite, double date or movie.   I’ve also used this time for me to do things I haven’t had time to squeeze in.  So far I’ve tried a new fitness class, redecorated the guest bathroom and added a few new pairs of shoes to my closet. 

5.  Understand that what happens at G’ma and G’pa’s, stays at G’ma and G’pa’s.   One day I was talking to Jack and he shared that Papa hadn’t taken him to the French Fry Store yet. Rather than get upset, I found the silver lining in the story.  At least he wasn’t running around saying ‘Supersize me’…

What advice do you have for moms and dads who are new to summer’s empty nest?  Do share. 

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Comments

I am a single dad full time and i just let my 5 and 9 yr old travel to Tennessee to stay with their grandparents for 2-3 weeks. They only stayed for 2 but they had a wonderful time and it really helped me come to grips with letting them go and being without them. The first day or so was hard but it got easy really quick. I also had a great time with them being gone, some adult time with friends without worrying about kids in the background. This will definetly become an every summer thing.

scott, jensen beach, fl (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 12:50 PM)

I wish I had spent more time away from my parents growing up. I think they would have been less stressed out, and we ALL would have been happier.

Nik, Memphis, TN (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 12:55 PM)

my daughter goes away for 2 weeks every summer, she has been doing so since she was 5. My Aunt is very happy to have her there for that short while. She loves going up there every year as she gets to do things she wouldnt normally get to do here. One thing I found helpful is to send her with a disposable camera so that she can take her own picture and add them to a special photo album of her vacation.  Every year she looks forward to taking new pictures for her album.

Rachel, Windsor, Ontario, Canada (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 12:58 PM)

Have a great time while your tyke is away. I lived in Europe for 16 years and both of my children loved their time with Opa and Oma as they called them and my husband and I loved the time alone as I rarely saw him anyway, being in the Military and all.You just have to remember that they are making great memories and will always cherish the time they had with their grandparents with out mom and dad hovering over them all the time. My children have grown up and lost both sets of grandparents, but they remember the good times they had with them and will always cherish this.

Grandma, Indianapolis, In (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 1:02 PM)

My son (11) is on a 10 day vacation with my brother and I have to call every other day to find out how he is doing. I went on vaction without him once for 3 weeks and it is very hard without that other person being there. I am glad he is having fun and needs to learn how to live without me, for one day, I won't be here. I am an older mom.  Pushing the little birdies out of the nest is bittersweet sometimes.  

Ann St. Louis MO (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 1:05 PM)

This is one thing parents have such a hard time doing, yet is so important for kids.  Keeping your children glued to your side at all times may make you feel good, but it doesn't help your child cope in new situations, learn self-reliance, or build relationships with anyone other than you.  It produces shy, uncertain little weenies.

If you're lucky enough to have grandparents with a farm, or grandparents who live just far enough away (more than 30 miles) so that the temptation to "peek in" is squelched, take advantage of it.  If those grandparents are mobile, healthy, and able, your child should have the chance to get away, and you should have the chance to realize that one day, that child is going to need a wide range of experiences when s/he is no longer glued to your side.

Every experience a child has can help him or her become a well-rounded and more stable person.  These trips can be a tremendous gift, both to your parents and to your child.  Give that gift - and give it regularly.

Foxglove Kent (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 1:08 PM)

I have been going away to summer camp for a few years now.I'm 15 now, and I just go back last week from my last possible year at my camp. I must say, it has been a tremendous experience for me to go away- both for me and for my parents. I got to make new freinds, build self-confidence, and learn responsibility when not with a parental figure; my parents, on the other hand, get to spend more time with my other siblings, and have more time to themselves, as well. All in all, I think its a wonderful gift as a parent that you can give your child: the chance to have fun while not at home.

Michelle, New York (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 1:10 PM)

As my children have gotten older, I've allowed them to plan for their trip to Grandma and Grandpa's house (They often camp, ride horses, kayake, etc.) It allows them to look forward to the trips, but they have also learned to pack accordingly, and save extra vacation money to spend while they are away. It is great for them to gain independence and learn responsibility.

clair (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 1:13 PM)

I spent a great deal of time with my grandparents growing up.  Granted they lived only 2 1/2 hours away.  I still spent almost 6 months of the year with them until I started school.  And the first time was for a week when I was 3 1/2 months old.  I think it was the best thing for me in the long run.  I have no problem being away from my parents when I left for college.  I remember watching several people cry because they misse their parents.  No big deal for me it just felt like being left for the summer.

Ruth (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 1:13 PM)

My son's dad lives in Georgia and all of my extended family lives in Ohio.  I send my son to stay with his grandma every spring break and to his dad's for every Christmas break and for some portion of every summer.  Although it's hard the first couple of days, it becomes a time for me to get things done that I normally would not be able to do.  I also make a point to go out with friends and do things for myself that I don't get to do very often.  Plus, he always has such a good time, and it gives him the opportunity to build a lifetime of memories and special bonds with those he visits.

Kelly, Silver Spring, MD (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 1:28 PM)

I recently sent my 9year old son away for the first time for 2 weeks.  Being a single mother who devotes almost every waking moment taking care of him...it was hard. The first week I just sat on the couch very deep in depression.  By the 2nd week I got out a little more.  By the time he came home I cried my eyes out.  He said he missed me but was having too much fun to let it upset him.  He surprised me. Letting kids go away for a little while is a good thing.  It just reminded me that hey I am doing okay so far with raising him.

Rochelle, Elgin, Illinois (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 1:34 PM)

I came into my own going away to summer camp starting at 9 years of age.  I went to boarding school (awesome privilege) when I was 16.  I went to out of state college.  My relationship with my parents became a treasure instead of being something I was anxious to grow out of.  I was ME.  I had choices and independence.  It gave me a chance to pursue my own religious, work, social and personal goals for myself-with myself to answer to.   I didn't rebel...the consequences would be mine alone and not punishment to my parents.  I knew I was in their prayers and letters and calls and summer vacations kept the relationship strong.  I say....GIVE YOUR KIDS THEIR WINGS!

Hope (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 1:38 PM)

My kids have traveled to visit family alone since they were six - it has been the best experience of their lives.  The feeling they get of independence and self reliance is wonderful.  I used to enroll them in day camp at G & G's so they wouldn't get overburdened - they met new kids, had experiences they couldn't get at home and were totally doted on when they were with G &G.  I got to rest, work and play - a perfect summer for all!!

Carol, Roswell, GA (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 1:54 PM)

I have great memories of spending time with Grams so it's important to me to give the same opportunity to my daughter. She just turned 3 and will spend 3 weeks, I'll be there the first week, with her Nona and Papa. Since the miles seperate the family we all work together at keeping the bonds strong. I'll miss her like crazy but memories and the love of Nona and Papa are so very important.

Julie, Clinton Twp MI (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 1:57 PM)

I sent my son to FL to stay with the grandparents for the first time when he was 10.  I drove to Chicago to put him on a direct flight and he had an awesome adventure - traveling alone and then no mom for 10 days - he loves it.  He is almost 15 now and is extremely independent and I am proud and happy that when he does leave the nest he will be able to take care of himself and who knows someday a wife!!!

Sam, Moline, IL (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 2:17 PM)

My kids now 14 and 11 started traveling from California to visit their grandparents in Alabama when they were 8 and 5.  They started off at 3 weeks and 7 years later, they stay 6 weeks.  They love it, I love it, and the grandparents love it!  They spend time with cousins and extended family and they don't have to fit it all in, in the normal week long vacation.  Plus my husband and I "date" all summer long!

Cindy, Oakley CA (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 2:25 PM)

My parents sent me to be with family and friends over summers and it was wonderful.  One of my best memories is the summer I spend cruising along the northwest coastline and camping with my mother's exchange parents. It was an amazing experience for a city girl.  I loved it.

Jen Philadelphia, PA (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 2:32 PM)

When my husband and I were married, my mother declared that when we had children she would be taking them for 2 weeks every year. This came as no surprise, because she did this with my brother's children.

My oldest was 6 months old when he first stayed for a week. He is now 17 years old and still looks forward to his 2 weeks with Grandma and Papa. They take swimming lessons, make new friends, and learn life lessens that only a grandparent can teach.

It is hard as a parent to let go. I think as parents we assume that the children will have as difficult a time. Over the years with my mother reassuring me that I am truly not as missed as I think I am, a point my children also make, I have learned that daily contact is not necessary and often adds to any homesickness.

I have learned that this is a special time that I can use spending guilt free time with my husband and friends.

It is truly time that both chiidren and parents can cheerish.

Brenda Broughton, Sidney NE (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 2:36 PM)

Enjoy the time, you deserve it.  Your kids will be alright.  Remember that your parents raised you.  And they did so without the support of the internet or Dr. Phil!  Reconnect with your spouse and make him remember why he married you in the first place.  He wants a sexy wife, not a neurotic mother upset over nothing.  Be lucky that you have the support of your extended family.              

Andrea Erving Ardmore, PA (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 2:39 PM)

Kids need vacations from mom/dad.  Away from "necessary" rules/regulations of everyday family life.  Great and safe place for that is grandparents-enough spoiling without any danger for life long damage.

BJane Yeager Palmerton Pa (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 2:39 PM)

We live 16 car hours away from my parents and siblings.My son's 1st visit alone when he 6 was for 2 weeks and they asked to extend it. By the 3rd summer away the whole summer wasn't long enough for my son and my parents. He has an amazing relationship with them and is very close to cousins. People often asked how I could send him away for so long but it was never an issue for him and it would have been selfish of me to have him home so I could feel better. He is 18 now, finished his 1st year of college, just came back from 8 weeks with all of them and is looking forward to going for Thanksgiving.Depends on the child but I think it made him more mature and confident.

mary,texas (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 2:50 PM)

I have three daughters 14, 4 and 3 that went on a trip to their aunts house in Tampa for two weeks. Since both grandmothers maternal and paternal are decease we rarely ever get free time. Well, I too wondered how in the world I was going to survive not having my babies near.

I brought them to Florida and was suppose to stay the weekend and quickly decided against it because i didn't want them to expect me to stay the whole time. Needless to say I left the next day and have actually enjoyed the time alone. I did major cleaning and have slept like a baby.

I love my daughters but they are enjoying themselves and have asked their aunt can they come back; if she have them they will be there.

SJA, Houston, Texas (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 2:58 PM)

My son goes away every summer for between 4-8 weeks, we live a few states away from his dad and both sets of grandparents. During that time, he has a blast because he spends a few weeks with each set of grandparents and gets spoiled rotten. I on the other hand, go through mixed emotions. First, I anticipate all the fun things I'll do while he's gone. Then, he actually leaves and I mope for a few weeks. Two weeks into his absence, I begin to enjoy myself and relax. About a week before he comes back, I perk up in anticipation of him coming home. In short, even though he's not here, he still plays a big role in my daily activities.

Angela, Tallahassee, FL (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 3:00 PM)

I am twin.  We are only 56 years old.  Back in the “old days”, when we were young, mothers rarely worked. There weren't day care centers or home day cares. My mom was a hospital administrator.  We walked to my Moms work after school.  In the summer she would take us to my grandmothers, about 4 hours away.  My sister and I have fantastic memories of every summer.  I still have written letters from not only my mom but my dad too.  They were great.  We helped in the garden, went to the lake with relatives, watched soap operas (they were only 15 minutes long then) during lunch with my grandma.  We watched the first moon landing together.  She taught us bible versus, how to play cribbage and play cards.  We listened to the Detroit Tigers on the radio and listened to her yell at Sparky Anderson for ever reason under the sun!  These are time’s my sister and I will never forget.  My Mom and Dad didn’t have to worry about us.  And we NEVER thought badly about them for sending us there.  We often felt sad for them that they couldn’t come with us because we were having such a grand time!

Libby, Concord, NC (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 3:06 PM)

I think poeple should be grateful of the fact that their children have a place to go for the summer! My children didn't. Now they are about grown and still have a problem letting me out of their site lol.

Caron, Sparta, Tennessee (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 3:07 PM)

I just turned 18 and I'm attending summer school at Harvard. This is the first time I've been away from my parents for more than a week. It first it was very difficult, but after acclimating, I'm having the best summer of my life. However, it's much harder on my parents, who are divorced, and have very little to do now that I'm not around. It's so important for parents to develop lives outside of their kids or else when the time comes when they have to or want to leave, the parents are going to take it too hard. Kids should go away by themselves from time to time, for the sake of the parents.

Andy, Carrollton, Texas (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 3:42 PM)

My babies(now 24 & 21)started going to the valley (600 miles each way) to stay with their great grandparents as they turned 2.  They stayed the entire month of June, July & August.  Yep!  The first couple of days each time were HARD, for me!  But oh the good times they had!!!  The memories they made.  They looked forward to the time spent with Mammy & Poppa & all that they got to do with them.  I had time to spend with friends, to take a "road trip" or two and to do spring cleaning that had to wait till summer.  The oldest was 16 when she spent a week at home between a shortened trip and camp.  Neither of us knew how to act!!!  Blessings come in all shapes and sizes - mine and my children's were their grandparents they saw daily & great-grandparents who made their summers spectacular!

Kim, Dallas, Texas (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 3:59 PM)

I am a single mom of a 12 and 14 yr old. They have been attending a 10day to 20 day summer camp for the last five years.  The first time they went they hugged me and cried as they left.  Now they tell me I can leave before the bus is loaded and pulls away. They have developed great friendships with kids they would have never meet without camp.  They have learned so much about life and have gotten to do things they would have never been able to do. I still wonder around my house amilessly for the first couple of days and I miss them terribly (they do not call home - camp rules)while they are gone.  It all pays off for me to see what beautiful, well rounded, self confident and independent young adults they have become.  They have great experiences from camp. They both plan on becoming camp councelors too.What a great job.  You get payed to have fun and camp councelor looks good on a college application.

Marie, Columbus, OH (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 3:59 PM)

My daughter and I just sent my grandchildren ages 10 and 9 to visit my Mom in VA for 3 weeks, they have been going since they were 2 years old, and they love it, I went every summer, my daughter and son went every summer and my grands are so lucky to get a chance to visit Grandma Ruth for 3 weeks and enjoy the country air and play outside. We are truly blessed to have my mother.

Gloria Owens, Baltimore, MD (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 4:01 PM)

Children going to visit relatives and new places is a wonderful experience for them. My daughter went away to summer camp for a week for the first time when she was between 2nd and 3rd grade. She had a wonderful time. By the end of 5th grade she was attending 2 week camps and wanted to attend several. As well as summer camps she also flew to visit my family in Oregon (from Alaska) by herself and was gone for 5 weeks and then the next year she flew from Alaska to Hawaii to spend a week with a friend. Both times I put her on the plane I was very nervous and made her call me when she got to each of her layover places. By the 2nd day she was gone I threw myself into activities around the house and with my husband to keep myself busy.

While I missed her, I know that she is more independent and responsible because of these decisions and she will be starting high school this year and I know when she goes off to college she will not be afraid to go away from home. Kids need their parents, but they need to learn about other places too. They really appreciate home more when they get back, after being away.

Stephanie, Anchorage, Alaska (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 4:01 PM)

My daughters went to visit their father on a regular basis and spent a great deal of time with their grandparents.  It gave me the down time I needed as a divorced mother.  When they left for college, I cried when they left, I felt like I had left a dog at the side of the road.  

When they came home for their respective "first" holiday break, I realized how much I had adjusted to them being gone and how independent that had become.  From then on, I cried when they came home. It was a big adjustment for all of us.  Now after several years of this "going and coming", we have learned to respect each others' space and needs.  

sonjo horek, warren, michigan (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 4:03 PM)

One thing I have not seen in these comments is the real aspect that children get to know their grandparents and other relatives as real people, not just special people that they see upon occasion, and the inverse is also true, grandparents get to see the real child, not just the child who shines when they are around. I spent my summers split between 2 sets of grandparents and intersprinkled with Girl Scout activities. But we were a little different, we had a private airplane, the flight time 1 hr 45 min to either set and we were flying all the time. I will always cherish the times I had with them and the time I had with my parents getting me to and from.

Cheryl McCain Teed-McCall, ID (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 4:08 PM)

One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is wings to fly.  It is also one of the hardest things to do as a parent.  Two years ago, we asked our son (then 8) if he might want to go to sleep-away camp some summer (thinking 1 or 2 years down the road) and he wanted to know if he could go the next day!  We signed him up for that summer's "beginners' camp" of a week and a half; he loved it and immediately asked if we could sign him up for the following summer.  He's there again this year (3 weeks).  We have always given him age-appropriate responsibilities, included him in family decisions, all with the thought that "someday he'll have to be entirely responsible for himself" and we want him to have the tools necessary to be that person.  And, being a single child, this is another great way for him to learn to be part of a team (besides in a sport-related way).  Not to mention, he has SO MUCH FUN!  When we went to pick him up at the end of last summer's camp, we were so impressed with how confident he was showing us around camp, introducing us to counselors and his new friends.  He didn't want to leave!  Turns out, I love to watch him fly with those wings he's growing.  Yes, I cry a little bit after we drop him off and get him settled, but I expect I'll do that when he leaves for college, too ;)  

Dana, Crystal Lake, IL (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 4:09 PM)

As a mother of 2 young girls(4 & 7) i stuggle with letting them go. Me and my husband have great parents and extended family but i fear every moment i miss with my girls is a moment i will never get back.

Gracie Radford VA (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 4:09 PM)

as a  separated mother i wish i could send my kids away for a few days i think it would make me a better parent  and the kids more mature we should not feel any guilt in sending them to family .

josie Mississauga ont (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 4:14 PM)

Even though our hearts break to let our children go for a short holiday sometimes I feel it is a good break for them too. TChildren are caught up amidst our routine that sometimes they want that space from parents and be among other relatives where all the attention is showered upon.  We have an only child who is 15 year old and last year my husband and myself took a decision to send her for a month to Canada to visit relatives. We felt such emptiness in our lives for the first few days but then consoled ourselves that she is going to have a good time.  She did have an excellent time with a lot of family gatherings and weekend parties among relatives which made it a memorable summer.  And most important is that her trip gave her a sense of independence, responsibility and maturity.  I think it was an excellent decision that we took as parents to help her grow positively.  

Shirley D'Souza, Tucson Arizona (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 4:32 PM)

Balance is key for parents and children!  My daughter goes to the UK every summer for 5-6 weeks to visit her paternal grandparents and her father, my ex. She is spoiled rotten there but has a blast with family and friends.  At first is was tough on me...but I then realized that time allows me to reclaim myself and my soul.  She and I are better with those annual breaks and I feel it will prepare me for when she leaves for college or life =)
My deceased mom always said - "Your children come through you, you cannot own them..make sure they have strong roots and wings to fly."  

Kathleen, Basking Ridge, NJ (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 4:41 PM)

My 15-year-old daughter traveled to Holland all by herself. While i do miss her and cried a lot, I do realize that this would be a very good experience for her. She is in good hands with her godmother and uncle. I trust her enough to make the right choices and the right decisions. I know she will grow and mature in a positive way.

Linda Reyshaw, Redmond, Wa. (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 4:49 PM)

Two weeks ago I send my 13yr old 1000 miles away to his cousins, who he barely knows. I txt him everyday and at first he would always txt back, but now he is having too much fun and just doesn't have the time for mom. They are taking him EVERYWHERE. It will be another couple weeks before I have him home. I know this is good for him, but it is so hard to let go. He is the 2nd of my 3 kids, but the only boy. I hope to do this for him again, but I guess for his sake I shouldn't make a big deal out of how much I miss him.

Julie (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 4:57 PM)

When we lived in FL our boys spent a lot of weekends at their aunt's and grandparents. They were about an hour away so for me it was great to have a night or two with just my husband. Two years ago when they were 7 and 6 we moved to VA. Last summer they spent a week in FL with their aunt. It felt a lot different sending them about 15 hours away. This year they are there for 3 weeks.The boys love it because they got to do things they can't do at home.  At the end of their time both years my husband and I go pick them up and spend a week visiting both of our families while we are there.  It is a wonderful time for all of us.

Shalom Ashburn VA (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 4:57 PM)

When I was a kid I spent the entire summer with my Aunt and Uncle eight hours from home.  They would pick me up the 1st day of summer vacation, and I would return home Labor Day Weekend.  I did this from 1st grade through my junior year of high school. I enjoyed each day with them, and am so grateful I had parents unselfish enough to allow me the experience.

Bonnie McLean (Sent Wednesday, July 29, 2009 10:34 PM)

My daughter is 18 mths old and I sent her to spend 3 wks with her dad in FL for the first time..We live in Trinidad so it was heartwrentching doing that but i wanted to be fair cause he and his family have never really spent alot of time with her since she was born...I did that to see how she would have stayed and it worked out pretty fine spoke to her either on the phone or via Skype just about everyday and when she returned she was as vibrant as ever..I missed her alot but i really needed some time to find myself once again..Now they would like her for 6 wks I dunno but i think i will go ahead with it as to avoid anything..She is quite young but she handles it pretty well but its still scary at the time time because im senidng her all the way to another country.

Nikki,Trinidad (Sent Thursday, July 30, 2009 9:15 AM)

My eighteen year old son will be spending the next year in Europe on his own.  Then he will attend college in the United States.  I am worried because he will be with groups but traveling on his own in between countries.

Mary New York, New York (Sent Thursday, July 30, 2009 1:22 PM)



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