Includes bibliographical references (pages 243-248).
Contents:
The Final thoughts: The magic of family. They call me "Sunshine" -- Strategies for bringing the magic of camp home -- Camp secret #1: Connection comes first -- Camp secret #2: Catch them doing something right -- Camp secret #3: Positive practices produce optimistic kids -- Camp secret #4: All kids can be more independent (even clingy homebodies!) -- Camp secret #5: Grit is grown outside the comfort zone -- Camp secret #6: Kids are more capable than parents think they are -- Camp secret #7: Kids thrive with structure -- Camp secret #8: Make it cool to be kind -- Camp secret #9: Coach kids to better friendships -- Final thoughts: The magic of family.
Summary:
"Audrey "Sunshine" Monke, mother of five and camp owner-director, shares nine powerful parenting techniques-inspired by the research-based practices of summer camp-to help kids thrive and families become closer. Research has proven that kids are happier and gain essential social and emotional skills at camp. A recognized parenting expert, Audrey Monke distills what she's learned from thousands of interactions with campers, camp counselors, and parents, and from her research in positive psychology, to offer intentional strategies parents can use to foster the benefits of camp at home. Our screen-obsessed, competitive society makes it harder than ever to raise happy, thriving kids. But there are tried-and-true methods that can help. Instead of rearing a generation of children who are overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, and who struggle to become independent, responsible adults, parents can create a culture that promotes the growth of important character traits and the social skills kids need for meaningful, successful lives. Thousands of parents attest to the "magical" benefits of summer camp for their kids, noting their children return more joyful, positive, confident, and resilient after just a few weeks. But you can learn exactly what it takes to promote these benefits at home. Complete with specific ideas to implement the most effective summer camp secrets, HAPPY CAMPERS is a one of a kind resource for raising happy, socially intelligent, successful kids." -- dust jacket flap.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.