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Homesick And Happy: How Time Away From Parents Can Help A Child Grow (2012)

by Michael G. Thompson(Favorite Author)

3.94 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

0345524926 (ISBN13: 9780345524928)

languge

English

genre

Nonfiction

publisher

Ballantine Books

review 1: This book, though a fun read, didn't hit the points I would like to have seen. It read more like a PR piece for summer camp and less like a book about developmental psychology. It didn't help, of course, that my experience of summer camp was completely alien from that described in the book. So my review must be filtered given that knowledge.Dr. Thompson illustrated amply some of the most desirable aspects of the sleep away camp experience and on the factors (the presence of multiple age groups, the freedom from parental expectation, etc.) that recommend it.If I were about to send my kids off to camp, this book would serve as a mighty balm, I am sure.
review 2: Author Michael Thompson writes a moving paean to summer sleepaway camp. He visits 19 sleep-away camps ... moreand recounts his own camping experiences as a child. In his conversations with everyone involved in the camping enterprise -- campers, parents, counselors, directors -- he develops his theme that the experience can be challenging for everyone, but necessary for the growth of a child's sense of confidence, self-esteem and independence.I agree with Dr. Thompson's overall theme that a child needs time away from his or her parents in order to mature into an independent and confident adult. In the introduction, he lists eight things a parent cannot do for a child and concludes with, "We cannot make our children independent." So true. (I disagree with him, however, that children need to perform risky -- and even life-threatening -- tasks in order to gain this sense of self. He tells us the inspiring, overcoming stories, but who tells the stories of the children who attempted similar feats and did not survive?)I've seen in action Dr. Thompson's other major point that a child's attachment to a counselor (or youth worker or coach) is perhaps the most powerful one a child can experience, one that can bring satisfactions and growth not accessible in a parent/child relationship. I will be forever grateful to church youth group leaders!My only reservation is that I think the author paints far too rosy a picture of the camping experience. In his world, camps are natural oases, counselors are competent and patient, directors are caring and involved, and kids are endlessly resilient. I grew up going to a church camp, and I can tell you that I was bored most of the time, embarrassed about my awkwardness at the endless physical activities, and made no lasting friendships. Anyone who signed up could be a counselor, and not all were suited to the role. I couldn't wait to get home so I could just stay inside and read a book! less

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