Mommy Guilt.

pennysuedog · November 2012

Boy scout summer camp is in the Black Hills this year. We were planning to come along and stay in the family camp, but I found out they do not have cabins and I'm just not up for tent camping a whole week with Violet.

I'm also not comfortable with Oliver being that far away from me. Last year it was rough enough but he was still in the same state. I also want to see him experience the Black Hills for the first time. I don't think I'm going to let him go. Crying I'm sure he will not be upset, but I feel like I'm holding him back.

ETA: picture from last year...Aren't they cute?

cantalopes24 · November 2012

How far away is it and how old is he?

pennysuedog · November 2012

cantalopes24:
How far away is it and how old is he?

12 years old and 12 hours away.

pennysuedog · November 2012

crystalbaby:
cantalopes24:
How far away is it and how old is he?
This. It may be time to cut the apron strings. I have advice for you since I'm not the parent of a child that age.

Oh these aprons strings are not letting go for a long time, they will get a little looser each year though.

mamaZbo · November 2012

I think you should let him go. I think he would really enjoy it. I always loved summer camp-I started going when I was 6. What about if you all went for a shorter amount of time, like the first couple of days and stayed in a tent and then left Oliver to finish up the week with his troop. It would stink for him to hear about how awesome it was from all of his friends. Why not leave the decision up to him?

cantalopes24 · November 2012

pennysuedog:
cantalopes24:
How far away is it and how old is he?
12 years old and 12 hours away.

Does he want to go? Could you go for just a couple days? I'm used to parents and kids traveling without each other so that doesn't seem like a big deal to me.

pennysuedog · November 2012

Ugh, now I feel more guilty.

Elsa1984 · November 2012

Is there a hotel you and V could stay at? Or a campground that is close that has cabins? Then you guys could still somewhat go, but not have to be in a tent. Oliver would be able to be "away" at camp, but you would still be in the area and could see him if needed.

I never got to go to camp. I'm jealous. We did outdoor school in 5th grade for a week. I was so nervous I begged my mom to let me skip. But once I got there, I had a blast.

FWIW, Gator sleeps better in a tent than at home. Must be all the fresh air. Her first camping trip was in the rain, when she was 7mo and although she was extremely bundled, she loved it! She has been camping a few times since and does awesome. Maybe V would be the same way!

Elsa1984 · November 2012

crystalbaby:
pennysuedog:
Ugh, now I feel more guilty. 
None of us have a kid that age, Penny. It's easy for us to be all, "Oh, he's older. Let him go." We have no idea. Don't feel guilty. Just see how he reacts when You tell him. Is there a camp that he could go to that is closer to home?

This. He is your FIRST baby. Don't feel guilty....

anasazi17 · November 2012

I can't really provide much since (as others have posted) my only child is 1. However, I went to summer tennis camp in Florida...I'm in Indiana. My mom & dad wouldn't let me go until I was 14...and even then it was tough for all of us. They thought at 14 I would be able to handle being away from home for an extended period. Granted it was a summer program...but my parents did what they felt to be right and it worked. Just go with your gut, don't feel guilty or pressured.

pennysuedog · November 2012

Problem averted!

Oliver just came home. I asked Oliver if he wanted to go to camp and he said yes, he then asked "How far away?" I told him South Dakota, he asked if they were flying or driving and I said driving. Oliver then says "NOPE, I changed my mind." and walked out of the room.

He is signed up to go camping in a cave this winter and a couple weekend trips this summer.

I do know that I probably hold on to my kids a little tighter than I should but If I didn't I think I would go loopy with worry...I need baby steps.

mamaZbo · November 2012

I didn't mean to make you feel more guilty. I think you should go with your gut and also weigh Oliver's opinion on the whole thing. I guess decide if it is him who is not ready, or if it is you not ready to let him go, both are valid reasons to not let him go on the camping trip.

Scramblersmom · November 2012

I think you should let him go. He will be with other children and adults and it will be a good experience for him. My nephew is the same age and he has gone to the Boy Scout summer camps each year and they have all been a good distance away too. My husband use to go to all of those as well when he was a kid. They both had a blast. Another alternative is that maybe your DH could go and you could stay home with the LO??

kagl08 · November 2012

pennysuedog:
Problem averted!
Oliver just came home. I asked Oliver if he wanted to go to camp and he said yes, he then asked "How far away?" I told him South Dakota, he asked if they were flying or driving and I said driving. Oliver then says "NOPE, I changed my mind." and walked out of the room.
He is signed up to go camping in a cave this winter and a couple weekend trips this summer.
I do know that I probably hold on to my kids a little tighter than I should but If I didn't I think I would go loopy with worry...I need baby steps.

im glad he made the decision for you! FWIW, I'm with you on being overprotective. I'm gonna needs weeks of therapy just to let my oldest go to kindergarten and that's not for 3 years.

jonnygurl76 · November 2012

kagl08:
pennysuedog:

Problem averted!

Oliver just came home. I asked Oliver if he wanted to go to camp and he said yes, he then asked "How far away?" I told him South Dakota, he asked if they were flying or driving and I said driving. Oliver then says "NOPE, I changed my mind." and walked out of the room.

He is signed up to go camping in a cave this winter and a couple weekend trips this summer.

I do know that I probably hold on to my kids a little tighter than I should but If I didn't I think I would go loopy with worry...I need baby steps.

im glad he made the decision for you! FWIW, I'm with you on being overprotective. I'm gonna needs weeks of therapy just to let my oldest go to kindergarten and that's not for 3 years.

I agree, glad he made the decision for you. I already break out in a sweat when I think about DD going to preschool next Sept.!!!!!! I may be a tough biitch but not when it comes to my kids.

KrisM86 · November 2012

crystalbaby:
cantalopes24:
How far away is it and how old is he?
This. It may be time to cut the apron strings. I have advice for you since I'm not the parent of a child that age.

lol

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