I send my kids, 11 & 13, away for seven WEEKS over summer… trolls call me a ‘bad parent’ but it’s crazy they’re upset
A MUM has hit back at the critics who slate her decision to send her two daughters away for seven weeks over summer.
It seems that not a day goes by when a mother isn’t criticised for something – and someone who knows a little about this is US-based parent Rachael Potash.
She recently rushed to her own defense in a chat with People, after TikTok videos chronicling their regular send-off at the airport angered a number of people on the platform.
Confronted with comments dubbing her as a ”bad parent”, Rachael told the publication how she was left ”shocked” by the negative response online.
The now-viral series show the mother enjoying time with her two kids before seeing them off for almost two months.
The daughters, who are aged 11 and 13, appeared just as excited as their parents about their lengthy stay away from home.
After taking the internet by storm, Rachael hit back at the trolls and explained what had taken place.
”I started sharing how I spend my time with my daughters and what we do before they leave for summertime.
”It was this beautiful thing of me making their favorite dinner for their last dinner and having their stepsister come over when it wasn’t even her week to come say goodbye to them.
”It was about making these really special moments with my kids, and it turned into “You’re a bad parent for sending them away for seven weeks’,” the mother said.
In the interview, Rachael revealed how the girls’ dad, unfortunately, died four years ago, and was also an avid fan of sleepaway camps.
Speaking of her late spouse, the mum said her former husband ”grew up going to sleepaway camp”.
At first she ”couldn’t believe it” and struggled to grasp the concept of ”leaving home for the whole entire summer” – however, the late partner would always tell her it was ”the best time” of his life.
Happily embarking on stay away in Maine last month, it appeared that the two girls agreed – and Rachael has since shared her thoughts on the criticism.
”I made one video as a response making fun of the backlash I was getting and how crazy it was to me. Who should ever tell another parent what they should or shouldn’t do?”
The mother added she was ”glad” she’d stirred a conversation ”because it’s important to talk about it and open up some people’s minds about what is actually healthy for a child”.
Top 5 UK Summer Camps
With nearly two months off, attending a camp is a great way for children to get outside and enjoy some fresh air, learn an array of new skills and befriend kids outside their usual circle.
Check out our five top picks if you’re thinking of sending your little one away for a bit…
Best For: Academics
The Oxford Summer Academy is a specialised program for those aged between 16 and 19 and it’s the ideal pick if your teenaged wants a taste of life at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. Activities include morning tutorials , afternoon electives that are designed to broaden students understanding of what they’ll be studying and how to excel in their chosen fields.
Best For: Water sports
Wickedly Wonderful is located on the West Sussex coast where your kids can fall in love with water – and all abilities are catered for, whether you’re a beginner or the next Olympic swimmer!
Best For: All Round
XUK is the brand name for a number of specialised camp experiences that cater for kids from ages 3-17. Within the three main focuses on Sport, Art and Drama, parents will find a range of tailored camps that will suit their kids.
Best For: The American Summer Camp Experience
Located an hour’s drive away from both Glasgow and Edinburgh, Camp Copper is a unique, American-style camp nestled in Scotland’s stunning countryside. Amongst the range of fantastic and exciting activities are tennis, film-making, journalism and mountain biking – all whilst making new friendships that are sure to last a lifetime.
Best For: First Time Campers
Mill On The Brue offer single day experiences, which give first timers a little taster before committing to a week. It’s a family run business with trained support staff, so if this is your kid’s first camping experience – you can also relax.
The now-annual dynamic, which has been the family’s norm for the past five years, starts with ”a bunch of other kids from Florida” all meeting up at the airport during the early hours of the morning.
Rachael added that it’s ”a very long day for them” – but the parents make sure to ”load them up with goodies and they have a lot of fun”.
Although they’re sure to miss their parents, it’s a great opportunity to bond with their pals for seven weeks, she added.
The mum also insisted how more parents should be open to such a camp, as the children are in nature, finally away from their smart phones and other devices that they seem to be glued to.
”These girls are getting to experience life living in the moment, outside making s’mores and going water skiing, and making lifelong friendships.”
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