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Advice for Being Away from Home

Outdoor Education is often a child's first time away from home, so it is normal for a few students to feel homesick. The vast majority of students who experience homesickness finish the trip successfully. As students overcome homesickness, they build confidence, independence, and positive memories of individual and shared experiences.

Before your child leaves for Outdoor Education, take time to discuss being away from home. Create positive expectations and answer their questions and concerns. Let your child know that they will be busy participating in activities and collecting experiences that will make their return home even more exciting. If you have specific concerns about homesickness, please contact your child's teacher about special arrangements. Below are a few tips that have helped other students overcome homesickness:
 

  • Prepare in Advance: Encourage independence well before the trip by practicing small separations like sleepovers at a friend's house. This helps kids get used to being away from home in smaller doses. Involving the child in choosing the trip or preparing for it can also give them a sense of ownership, making them more comfortable when the time comes​
    GoodTherapy
    American Camp Association
     

  • Discuss and Role-play: Before the trip, talk through what they can expect. Role-playing scenarios they might encounter—like using a flashlight in the dark or navigating new routines—can help them feel more prepared and less anxious​
    American Camp Association
     

  • Dealing with Homesickness:
    Encouragement and Communication: Leave a note for your child to read during the first night, offering comforting words that acknowledge their feelings while reassuring them that it’s normal to miss home. Regular, positive communication can help ease their worries​
    American Psychological Association
    Alicia H. Clark PsyD

    Bring Comfort from Home: Have your child pack a familiar object like a stuffed animal or family photo. This can serve as a comforting reminder of home during moments of homesickness​
    GoodTherapy
    Alicia H. Clark PsyD

    Avoid Overemphasizing Home: When communicating, focus on their experience rather than emphasizing fun things happening at home. Encourage them to talk about the adventures they’re having and the friends they’re making, which helps shift focus away from what they’re missing​
    Alicia H. Clark PsyD

    Patience and Coping Strategies: If your child expresses homesickness, remind them it’s okay to feel this way. Teach them simple coping strategies like deep breathing or positive self-talk, which they can use to manage their emotions during difficult moments​
    GoodTherapy

    With thoughtful preparation and ongoing support, your child can learn to enjoy their time away and develop resilience in the face of homesickness