I'm learning a lot about my daughter, Isabel, this summer. This is a time of huge change for her--she's attended the same day care, preschool and summer program at the local JCC since she was 3 months old. Now that she's 5-and-a-half, we thought it was time to try a new camp.

For weeks, I talked to Isabel about the camp, reassuring her that she would make new friends and get to know the counselors, staff and nurse, in case she needed anything. I have to admit I was worried--would she make friends? Would the counselors be nice to her? What if she got hurt?

I was a mess for the three weeks leading up to camp, although I thought I was hiding my feelings from Isabel. That first morning, Isabel came bursting into my room all dressed and ready to go at 5:30 a.m. (a good three hours early!) and said, "I can't wait to try my new camp, and don't worry, Mom, they have a nurse there in case anything happens to me."

I am so proud of Isabel for having a great attitude and embracing change. I'm also disappointed with myself for inflicting my own concerns on her. What I learned this summer is that Isabel is great at handling transition and loves making new friends. On awards day, she came home with the "Best Friend to Everyone Award." Now, I realize counselors are skilled at making up great-sounding awards for every kid, but for now, I'm going to be the "Proud Mom" and not the "Worried-about-Transitions Mom." I'll let you know how that goes next month when kindergarten starts!