OSS14 goes to his first away camp today! (YSS12 is going later in the summer) This is a big deal because BM is an ninja warrior helicopter overprotector AND got OSS diagnosed with ADD about nine years ago so therefore OSS is incapable of doing things like "normal" kids. She has stunted his confidence and social abilities. YSS on the other hand is her golden child and can and gets to do whatever he wants.

This summer is week on/week off. We are nervous that BM has been playing up the reasons to be anxious and scared of camp and advising OSS that it's okay if he sits on his butt the entire week. She's also thrown by the fact they do not allow any electronics. I'm sure she was planning on playing electronic helicopter all week.

This is going to be so good for OSS. My DS14 just returned from his third summer of having a week away camp. He always grows/matures in some way and is adamant about going back since he enjoys it so much.

We've seen another helicopter parent in action just this last week and her child did not have as good a time. DSs old friend from another school showed up at DS camp this last week. We had no idea he was going to be there...they aren't friends anymore just because of changing schools. Anyway, she was incredibly nervous about sending this kid anywhere two years ago. Last year he went to the camp his dad worked at. This year he was supposed to be there with another friend but that friend broke a bone just days before camp. The mom saw my DS apparently and told him she hoped he would be at camp at the same time. She cannot let he kid doi anything on his own...even if he asks. He didn't look like he had a good time and DS said he looked like he was struggling.

This is why this is relevant: DS sees some of OSS in this friend and his situation and got to watch it up close this past week. This is OSS first week away. DS is going to help OSS pack this morning so he takes the right clothes (OSS still gets little kid type clothes from BM and doesn't get the latest fashions for teens), DS wants to go along for the drop off, and he wants to be the one to walk around camp with OSS "cause that would look cooler." (than walking with a parent). DH and I are surprised but grateful as OSS can really use this sort of support. OSS is staring at BMs HS in the fall and know no one so this is a mini scenario of making new friends for him to practice.