Jan 31 2008 02:03 pm
Posted by Kim under Kids, School
I need your advice!
Today I got a phone call from the guidance counselor at my kids school. She was calling me to tell me that my daughter, who is in grade 4, was chosen from her school to go to a summer camp this summer that is really far away. They only send one child per school per year and this year they picked my daughter stating that she is the most well-rounded child that they have in their school right now. That is a great testament to the type of child and student that she is. Now this opportunity is an awesome one, but I have a lot of reservations and concerns.
To be able to attend this camp, she must fly on an air plane. Not only has she never been on an airplane, but she has never stayed overnight anywhere other than home. She will be gone for nine days and will need to fly to her destination and back. This trip is ALL expenses paid and is probably one of the best opportunities that this child will have in a very long time.
I know if I asked her if she would like to go, she would say a definite yes! But, I don’t know if I can get passed my two biggest concerns. One being that she will have to fly back and forth and the other being the fact that she has never been away from home. She will be 10 in August so I know this is the time that I should be letting go just a bit. But, she’s still my baby!!
What do you all think?? Any advice?
7 Responses to “I need your advice!”
Tim on 31 Jan 2008 at 2:49 pm #
I’d let her go, but I’d find a way to make the plane trip each way. With a little planning, airfares are ok and it will give your child a wonderful memory.
I took my first plane ride alone when I was 10.
Tim’s last blog post..Harden Up!
Leah on 31 Jan 2008 at 4:15 pm #
LET HER GO!!
Kelly on 31 Jan 2008 at 4:36 pm #
I agree. Taking a big trip like that is scary enough for some adults. Perhaps taking the plane ride with her would ease some uneasiness on your behalf and hers. You would hate for your child to miss out on an opportunity like this, but that is quite a big “first step”. Good luck with whatever you choose.
Vince on 31 Jan 2008 at 4:39 pm #
Sounds like a pretty special camp to me . . . as you said, it’s a fantastic opportunity. You have a decent amount of time between now and summer and it seems to me that the one who is most scared about this is you, honestly.
Assuming that you have genuine reason for concern, I would arrange some camping trips - maybe in the backyard; stayover’s at friends, that kind of thing. If you can afford it, I’d follow Tim’s advice and while I would perhaps not make both trips, I’d try and make the one on the way out. Then again, if she is going with a group of kids on the same plane to the same destination, I wouldn’t worry so much.
You should at least let her know. She’s been chosen amongst many and that is an accomplishment. Hiding it isn’t fair to her and while it makes you temporarily less guilty, she’s bound to find out and become resentful so be careful. Talk over your reservations with her and if you don’t feel she’s ready, then let her know why. But it seems to me, her teachers seem to have a lot of faith and confidence in her . . .
Give her the chance - let her grow up a bit.
First time I flew alone was 8 years old. They used to let you go up to the cockpit if you were a kid in those days …
Kim on 31 Jan 2008 at 4:50 pm #
Thank you everyone for all your great advice. I really do appreciate it. And, now I am keeping an open mind on this opportunity. I will be sure to let you all know what I decide in the end.
Tina Kubala on 01 Feb 2008 at 4:34 am #
Let her go. I agree with Vince about sleepovers. A slumber party is one of the best things about being a little girl.
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Mrs. Mecomber on 07 Feb 2008 at 3:51 am #
I guess I’m the dissenter. I’d never let my child travel alone like that. If I was a child, I’d rather not, as well. Just my opinion.
Mrs. Mecomber’s last blog post..Treating Motion Sickness