Ilea's affirmations

Before Ilea went to camp for the first time, we talked to her about some things that might happen, and how she might handle them. We talked about not liking the food, or meeting new counselors, and possible losing team games (at which she said, "Well, I'd just have to cry!"). We also really encouraged her to make 2 new friends at camp. We talked about ways to do that, good times to talk to people, and ideas for helping her not be so shy. She wanted to settle for just learning 2 new names, but not having to become friends. Kipp told her about positive affirmations, and how she should tell herself that she Makes Friends Easily, or It's Easy to Say Hi To People.

The next morning when Ilea was getting ready for camp, I asked her how she was feeling. She said a little nervous, and some excited. Then she told me she had been telling herself positive sayings all night, and she even dreamed about it! She would say, "You Can Do It!" Or "You Go, Self!", and "I make Friends Easily". I laughed at You Go, Self, and told her that was great. She had a lot of fun at camp, and said she got to know all the girls in her cabin!