sometimes you just want to get away. Your older brother and his friends are constantly camped in front of the TV, your baby sister won't stay out of your room, and you want some time to yourself.
But when you get it — maybe at a friend's house for an all-weekend movie marathon or away at overnight camp — you're surprised to find yourself missing the chaos at home a bit.
What's that all about? Believe it or not, you're feeling homesick.
About Homesickness
When you're homesick, you might miss familiar things like your family, friends, pets, house, or neighborhood. You can miss something as simple as your bed or the tree outside your window.
Homesickness isn't only for kids: Practically everyone feels homesick from time to time, even adults. Teens might get homesick when they leave home for the first time, like during a vacation with a friend's family, summer job, or going off to college.
Why Do I Feel This Way?
Familiar surroundings, people, and routines help us feel secure and relaxed. A new place feels unfamiliar at first, and you're not sure what to expect. You may find yourself missing the comforts of home and loved ones. Those homesick feelings are completely normal. You might feel a little lonely, sad, or stressed.
Once the new surroundings and people become more familiar, feelings of homesickness go away.