Isaac Sussman

If your child comes home from sleepaway camp a little quieter or even sad, you are not alone. Many kids experience what’s often called “camp sickness” like homesickness, but in reverse. After weeks of laughter, routines, and friendships, coming home can feel like a transition.

Have you ever noticed how one person’s mood can shift the tone of the entire household? A child comes home upset from school, and suddenly dinner feels tense. Or a parent is stressed about work, and the whole family seems on edge. This isn’t just coincidence, it’s a reflection of how families function as systems, where every part influences the whole. This idea lies at the heart of Family Systems Theory, a framework I often use in my work with children, teens, and families.

Achievement is celebrated in our culture, but the relentless pursuit of “more” can come at a cost. High-achieving individuals often look polished and confident on the outside while privately carrying anxiety, exhaustion, and self-doubt.