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Parents, here are your "10 Tips in 10 Days" that will help you support your recent SuperCamp grad:
Tip #1 –
It's human nature to want to know everything about your SuperCamp graduate's time at SuperCamp. Resist the urge to play "20 Questions." Instead, let your son or daughter share their experience on their own time.
Tip #2 –
Your SuperCamp grad has just experienced one of the most positive times of his or her life. Keep the positive vibes going at home.
Put a note on your grad's bathroom mirror or pillow with a simple message, such as "Thanks for being you." Catch your grad doing something good (even if it's just taking out the garbage) and acknowledge the action. Caution, these positive acknowledgements can be habit forming!
Tip #3 –
When was the last time you apologized to your son or daughter for your actions?
Next time you're quick to anger, act irritated or show your frustration, apologize before the day is over. At SuperCamp, we teach the four-part apology: acknowledge, apologize, make it right, and recommit. It's real easy. Check it out on page 7 of the Parent Handbook we emailed you and give it a try.
Tip #4 –
Ask your grad when you can sit down together and look at their SuperCamp playbook.
When you do look through it, show your interest by asking questions - let your son or daughter become the teacher. It's a great way to build a connection between you and your SuperCamp grad and it helps reconnect him or her with the newly acquired skills.
Tip #5 –
Build an even deeper connection with your SuperCamp grad by planning a one-on-one activity, whether it's a walk through the mall, going to a movie, or a game of catch. These occasions are good opportunities for conversations to happen in a relaxed way.
Tip #6 –
Find a time, perhaps one day when you're in the car with your SuperCamp grad, to have a talk about unrealistic expectations. Listen more and talk less. Take mental notes if you're driving. This is an exercise in understanding for you and an opportunity for your son or daughter to clear the air, without fear of retribution.
Tip #7 –
Show your SuperCamp grad that you like to play... just like a kid... even like a kid at SuperCamp. We call it No Fimage - meaning no fear of image. Go out in the rain without an umbrella, dance like no one's watching. It's a great way to have some fun and deepen the bond with your son or daughter.
Tip #8 –
Send your SuperCamp grad a random, out-of-the-blue text message with no agenda. A phone call's great, too, but when you send a text, you're even more a part of the world they live in.
"Hi. Thinking of you." "Hope you're having a great day." It's not about the message; it's about the connection.
Tip #9 –
An anchor for kids of all ages with their parents is family traditions. You can strengthen the connection with your SuperCamp grad even more with special traditions between just the two of you. Maybe it's a game you like to play or even a game the two of you have made up. Nicknames. A special handshake. A way of saying good night. It's all about staying connected.
Tip #10 –
One of our five SuperCamp tenets is "Everything Speaks," meaning that everything we say and do at camp, as well as everything in our environment sends a message. It's the same thing at home. Within families, it's called being a role model.
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