Dear Family Coach: My 10-year-old son is heading out for his first summer of sleep-away camp. He'll be gone for three weeks. I'm so excited for him but also nervous. He was excited at first, too, but now he seems more nervous and anxious. How can I help him make the most of camp and not waste time being homesick? — Camp Mom

Dear Camp Mom: It is certainly normal for both of you to feel excited and anxious about your son heading to camp for the first time. Our minds tend to wander to unpleasant places when we don't know what to expect. But camp is one of the best gifts parents can give their children. Let's set him up for success this summer.

Start by reviewing the camp's website. Help your son identify a few special activities that he is incredibly excited to try. Call the camp and see whether he can connect with an experienced camper of the same age. It would be even better if the child were local, so they could get together. If your son feels as if he has a friend going into the camp, he will likely be more relaxed. Let your son help with the packing process. He might get excited to pick out his toiletries, shower caddy and some cool stationary. A new towel might even help jazz him up. Let him pick out a few family pictures to take with him (don't forget pictures of the pets, too). These pictures will comfort him while he is on his own.

Being away from home can be scary for some kids. Help your son imagine sleeping safely and happily in his bunk. Reassure him that the counselors are experienced and can handle any issue that may arise. Lastly, send a letter up to camp a week before he arrives, and pack another letter with a little surprise in his bag. If you feel your anxiety raising as the day nears, keep it to yourself and put on a happy face.

Dear Family Coach: I'm a work-from-home dad who also does the majority of child care for our 7- and 9-year-old children. I take them to soccer and gymnastics. I make sure they have all of their supplies. I do homework and test prep, and I even kick the ball around outside with them. But there are times when they want me to play a game or play catch and I've got nothing left. I feel like I've played all day. Is it wrong to shoo them away sometimes? — Out of Gas Dad

Dear Dad: It's not wrong to shoo them sometimes. I would recommend it. I'll tell you why.

When kids play with their parents, it's wonderful. Board games, playing catch and building forts together are all highly beneficial for both parties. It strengthens the relationship between parent and child. But just because some playtime together is good doesn't mean more time together is better. Sometimes when parents go through extensive efforts to entertain their kids, it can take a toll on the parent and suck the joy out of the activity.

We rarely give kids time to just direct their own play. They say they're bored and we provide an activity. Unfortunately, kids who have continually relied on their parents for entertainment never learn to amuse themselves. And they never learn the comfort of being alone in a quiet space.

So, ditch the guilt. When you need some space, take it. The kids will find something else to do. And after your break, you will all be ready and excited for some time together.

Dr. Catherine Pearlman, the founder of The Family Coach, LLC, advises parents on all matters of child rearing. To write to Dr. Pearlman, send her an email at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Catherine Pearlman and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.