Parenthood is a series of unexpected challenges; kids rise earlier on weekends, stomach bugs strike right before vacations, and messes appear when the house is finally clean. Recently, I stumbled upon a new rule of thumb: the child you send off to overnight camp will charm you with their behavior in the days leading up to their departure, making the goodbye all the more difficult. This was certainly the case with my daughter, Emma.
Honestly, I would have preferred a bit of the usual teenage attitude last night. Some door slamming, eye-rolls, or even a typical “you’re so embarrassing!” would have made it easier to cope. Instead, Emma was nothing short of delightful. She was sweet, helpful, and loving—gushing about how I was her best friend. Really?
So here I am, the archetypal worried mother, obsessively refreshing the camp website, lamenting how overnight camp is perhaps the worst idea ever conceived. Independence? Overrated. Fun? She can enjoy that right here at home. Memories? I promise to finally organize her baby book. I just want her back.
At least she could return to tell me how much she despises me and how mortifying I am. Then, maybe, I could let her go back. Is that too much to wish for?
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Summary
This article captures the emotional rollercoaster of a mother grappling with her child’s imminent departure to overnight camp, reflecting on the unexpected joys and challenges of parenting while navigating the bittersweet reality of separation.