1. DIFFICULT PARENT INTERACTIONS
Use them to build Relationships, Resilience & Retention
Noah Gallagher Deborah Gilboa, MD
Camp Director Camp Parent

2. “DIFFICULT” CONVERSATIONS
Anything that might result in a negative experience especially that might be shared with family
Why do we have them?
Social struggles
Counselor change
Conflict… .

3. “DIFFICULT” CONVERSATIONS
Why do we AVOID them?

4. CASE STUDY: TRANSITION STRUGGLE
The camper who refuses to unpack…
…FOR THREE DAYS

5. CASE STUDY: SOCIAL ISOLATION
Happy camper…
Happy to be on his own, isolated…

6. PARENT FEEDBACK
As parents, you can't imagine how amazed we were to receive Noah's phone call…Not just the phone call but [the]directness and honesty about Alex's issues settling in and desire to figure out how to help overcome them were far beyond anything that happens at any other camp we have been involved with, or camps our friends' kids attend.  By sharing Alex's struggles honestly, I knew when you said she was fine that she really was.
I realized I never thanked you for all of the hard work you put into making Josh’s
summer so successful!  Despite some of the things that occurred,
he came home so happy and is already counting down the days until next summer.

7. WHAT’S HAPPENING AT HOME
Parent’s process
Emotions (fight or flight)
Reactions
Story Telling
Parents’ goals
Validation
Action
Repercussions
SHARED DECISION MAKING!

8. MAKE THE CALL TO MAKE THE CALL
Will the camper write home?
Will another camper?
What might the letter say?!
Did the family notify you about this possible issue?
Dear Mom & Dad,
You’ll never believe what happened!
Have you already solved it?
What promise are you fulfilling?

9. HOW TO MAKE THE CALL Prep BEFORE the call: Choose your message
Answer MLQs
Consider the family culture
DURING the call:
Start with your message
Be honest & direct
LISTEN = SILENT
Present an approach
LISTEN
Set a timeline
AFTER the call:
Log the call
Hold yourself accountable, follow up!

10. THE UNEXPECTED CALL LISTEN = SILENT Gather your objectivity
Ask for a chance to gather info
Set an appointment for reconnecting

11. PARENT PARTNERING Present the issue objectively
Clarify your position as it affects the child’s experience, independently
Acknowledge your need for assistance – GOAL SHARING!
Recognize the parent as THE expert on child’s behavior
Discuss the approach
Share responsibility for following up!!!

12. FOLLOW UP IS YOUR KEY…
To relationships,
To resilience,
To retention.

13. Free camp resources here: