<p>If talking to your parents and people at home makes you feel better, there is nothing wrong with that. I experienced homesickness as a child and have read what some experts on homesickness say and they encourage calls home and contact with home in dealing with homesickness. Tell people you miss them and take heart in the fact that you are missed too. Also, think about the alternative. How fortunate you are to have a home and a family that you love and miss. That is a wonderful thing. I would feel more sorry for you if you had posted that you can’t wait to leave home because you can’t wait to get away from you family. You may find that there are other kids there who are also homesick. If you get the sense that there is someone else who feels as you do, talk to them about it. That will help too. I am 52 yrs old and I still get a little sad everytime I leave my parents. I am so proud of that.</p>
<p>I don’t know if this will exactly cheer you up, but it’s a pretty safe bet that you’ll be sad to leave Andover at the end of the five weeks. Try to enjoy where you are when you’re there. Staying busy keeps your mind occupied while you’re awake and if you’re tired you’ll sleep better. </p>
<p>You’ll have lots of classroom and homework time, but don’t neglect some ‘play’ time - swimming, soccer, going for a run.</p>
<p>Here’s a link to an article on homesickness:</p>
<p><a href=“http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/119/1/192[/url]”>http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/119/1/192</a></p>
<p>A quote pertinent to my suggestion:</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>However, it sounds like you are settling in quite well, so maybe my advice is moot at this point…</p>
<p>Fendrock, that’s what most articles say, but frankly, every person is different. If phone calls make someone feel better and they are allowed to do it, then what’s the big deal? I know that having that one phone call home at my four week camp during my rough first week helped me feel a lot better and eased that initial anxiety I had. We had a “weekend off” at the halfway point in which we could call home from a pay phone. by then I was happy and just had questions about the laundry. When I’m in Russia next year, I’m going to try not to call home, but if I feel like I need it, I’m not going to make myself crazy by refusing to call. If the phone call helps ease stress, then fine. I personally think the stuff about it impeding independence is bollocks. It’s a hell of a lot better for a person who knows he’s homesick to go off and try the new experience, even if he needs a phone call or two to help him feel more comfortable than to stay at home embarrassed and afraid of the homesick feelings. That takes personal strength to do. Kudos Jonathan. I’m glad things are going easier for you!</p>
<p>My D had problems like yours beginning at age 8 with a class trip lasting 3 weeks. On that trip, they forbid the children to call home–we were devastated to receive her post cards of misery and insisted on being allowed to talk to her. As she got older and had a cell phone, long absences from home became much more bearable. Avoiding contact is not a good cure for homesickness.</p>
<p>Hey, guys.</p>
<p>Sorry for the late update. I just wanted to let you guys know that I’m doing really well now. Everyone I’ve met is really cool and my classes are really fun. Dorm life is amazing!</p>
<p>Thanks for everything,</p>
<p>Jonathan</p>
<p>Jonathan:</p>
<p>Hurray! It’s wonderful to hear. Thanks for the update!</p>
<p>:D 
(10 chars)</p>
<p>Hooray! We are all happy for you! :-)</p>
<p>Good for you, Jonathan1 !</p>
<p>Yay, Jonathan! Next time you think something is too hard for you to handle, remember how you came through this one. It will give you courage.</p>
<p>I think some aspects of homesickness are biological. Everything assaulting the senses is new, new, new. Maybe it makes sense to travel with one’s own pillow because the smell and texture are familiar!</p>