Question for all parents please?

Question

Hi everyone, in a nutshell I have 2 kids, son is 7, daughter is 4 (turning 5 in July). I'm second guessing myself putting my daughter in summer camp b/c its from 8-4:30. It's a really good camp but I'm thinking now she might be too young to stay so long. She would normally get out at 3:30 but since her older sibling is there they allow them to stay that extra hour. She hasn't been in school yet so I just wanted her to socialize a bit before entering kindergarten. I also didn't want her spending those nice summer days cooped up in her grandmas house while I work full time and wanted her to have fun with other kids her age. Its just the time factor, i'm wondering if its too long a day for a little girl who's used to being "spoiled":-) at grandmas or home 24/7? Thanks to all of you who took time to read my long ramble.

WOW! Such great answers! you are all so kind and I'm moved by your thoughtful responses....you all get 100 points!

Answer 1

It might do her some good to be with other kids instead of being spoiled at grandma house. It will get her used to sharing and taking turns. If she is going to be going to kindergarten this year, then she's going to have to be in school about that long too (in our area kindergarten is 8 -2:30). I would say try it for a week or two and see how she does. If she hates it after that, then have her go to grandma's house, but I'm betting she will love it. You will probably have a hard time getting her to leave at the end of the day. I sent my son to Pre K this year and I was really nervous about it, but he loved it. He was also 4.
I also have a 7 year old that didn't go to Pre K, but she loved kindergarten and being around the other kids so much, that was a big factor in why I sent my son.

Answer 2

This is a great question and I commend you for being concerned about this. My friend teaches Kindergarten and First grade and she always starts the year working hard to acclimate children who have never spent time away from home and are suddenly dumped in school. The best indicator is going to be your daughter. Some children are very social and will enjoy the companionship and activities of a full day program. Others only need it in small doses. She will have little contact with her brother because he will be in a different age group. Most programs plan nap times and down time for the children to keep them from being over stimulated and getting tired Maybe you can start the program with her doing 1/2 day and arrange to have her picked up until she lets you know she wants to stay longer. My daughter's first experience with camp was at 4 going on 5 before Kindergarten. I picked her up before lunch everyday until she told me they were having hot dogs and chips and she wanted to stay for lunch. After that I eased her into the full day by keeping an eye on the activities schedule and reminding her when he favorite activities were happening. Good luck!

Answer 3

Let her try it out, her other sibling will be there and that will probably help. I was 5 when I started going to day camp and I LOVED it, at 8 I started going to overnight camp, those summers were the best of my life.

When I am a parent I know i will miss and worry like crazy with my child gone at camp but I will remind myself of how much I loved it, what great memories it providing me with and what an impact its had on my life. I am a huge advocate of sending kids to camp, as long as they enjoy it!

I think maybe if grammy can have her half days for the first few days, (one or two) and if she comes home at night saying "oh momma at camp we did this and this and this, and I made these friends..." then let her try a whole day, just see how she does!

I bet she will love it!

Answer 4

I think it depends on the child. It's not a long day to kids because camps like this tend to keep them moving and doing fun activities all day long. I'd talk about your concerns with the camp director and let her go for a few days. If she's not able to handle it, switch her to half days. Four year old girls (if she is like mine) have no problem being "cooped up with grandma". My kids adore my mother and there is nothing like alone time with grandma! She's not as active as I am but one on one time is something that any kid can't get too much of. Good luck, I hope you find something that works out!

Answer 5

Your a good parent. You know what is best. Maybe there is a compromise that would be more comfy for you. Can she go 2 or3 days a week to camp then other days to grandmom? Or if the camp has a half day program would be perfect? Ask your daughter what she wants. Her fun day, busy at camp is gona go so fast I think she will be fine. I agree that being around other kids is important!!

Answer 6

are you kidding me?? SHE IS GOING TO HAVE A BLAST!
We as the mother, have a hard time with that long period of time. Her time is going to go so fast she will get their in the morning and when 4.30 rolls by she will be upset that she has to leave. I am the mother that drops my daughter off and then stands outside and crys while i am walking to the car. My daughter pouts when i pick her up. Here i miss her all day and she is sad that she has to leave her friends.
She will be fine, its really u, that needs the work :)
She will learn so much from socializing with other kids and she will also learn to share. It is a really good thing for her and by the time she gets to Kindergarten she will be a pro.
and mom..............it will be easier for you when kindergarten starts because believe me that is going to touch your heart.
Grandma is a great thing but socializing with other children is so much better. Good luck and let her have fun........suz

Answer 7

I myself being the proud parent of twin girls who aren't old enough for school, would probably NOT start off by sending them to "summer camp" for eight and a half hours! That's a long time to be away from Mommy when she's not used to it. I would put her in a half day program where you can take her in the morning and then maybe ask grandma to pick her up for the balance of the afternoon. But eight and a half hours is a long time for any 4 year old baby to be away from her mommy. Especially just starting out.

Answer 8

Having 4 kids from 16-25 yrs.

And 4 grand kids I would say the more child interacts with others the more social skills they will learn. One of my grand kids seemed to be behind the curve as far as emotional growth. Our daughter put him in classes early and it seems to be working.
Besides your right their not doing a lot at grandma's house.

Answer 9

You won't know until you try it for a day or two - she might surprise you and be totally into all the activities and such. I would sign her up for the first few days or week - find out who her counselor will be and give them the quickie about your concerns. You will be able to tell on the first day if she will be able to hang or not. Make sure grandma is on speed dial and let her give it a shot !

Answer 10

personally I think it would be a great idea to send her do day camp, she'll have a head start when she does attend school socially and be able to fit in better and since your son will be there as well it's not like she'll be lonely for a family member seems to me she would ease into the idea of school better this way and yeah what a way to spend the summer running and playing outdoors with other children her own age, it's just like them being in daycare sure it may be a rough couple of days in the begining but it's better to start the process now instead of trying to later with putting her in school and no big brother to be right there for her good luck in your decision