More than 10 million children head off to summer camp every summer. The kids aren't the only ones who need to adjust. Homesickness is often a part of the camping experience for kids, but what about 'Kidsickness' for the parents? There are ways parents can push through the pain. Paula Kendall is especially close to her children, and admits she feels some sadness as she helps them pack up for camp. "They're not just my kids, they're my friends," she says. This summer, Dustin and Emily are leaving home for six weeks. "I won't have my pals to pal around with. I'm probably going to start crying like as soon as I get out of the parking lot from dropping them off," Paula admits. While it's expected children will get a little home sick, parents may also be feeling some summertime blues. Bob Ditter is a family therapist. "Parents get Kidsick. They're used to hearing from their children and checking in with their children and suddenly that abruptly stops, so I think what happens is parents experience this kind of emptiness," Ditter explains. That emptiness can leave them feeling sad and alone. Peg Smith, CEO of The American Camp Association, offers some tips. The first suggestion: focus on the positive. "Think about all the great stories you're going to hear about, the fun," Smith suggests. Also remember that separation is a natural and necessary thing to help your child succeed later in life, and that there are benefits to going to camp. While your kids are off having a good time, distract yourself with some fun, too! "Go to a play, go to a movie, meet with friends for coffee that you might not be able to do because you are always taking care of the kids," Ditter says. Paula hopes meeting with friends and remodeling her daughter's bedroom will be distraction enough. But if not she jokes, "I'm renting children to come to my home, to hang out." If you're really struggling, you should share what you are feeling with other people, like your spouse. Talking to other parents who have sent their kids away might also be reassuring. Also, remember the original reasons you sent your kids to camp. Finally, limit calls to camp…some don't even allow them. You may check to see if e-mail is an option.