Only Boring People Get Bored

Is it summer yet? I am so ready for a break from packing lunches, rushing out the door in the morning, working on homework, and trying to remember everyone’s different schedule. This mama needs a break! However, with the summer break comes many opportunities for kids to become ‘bored’.

One of the first things I remember my husband saying when I met him was only boring people get bored. As a person who likes to be busy, I found this statement quite interesting. There would be times where I would find myself feeling bored because I didn’t have anything on the schedule. I’d look at my husband and he would be working on some new project or learning a new skill. So, I started to take his advice. I’m glad I did because once we had kids, I used it on them!!

Boredom can lead our kids to use their creativity and find inspiration. Our world is so technology focused that it is so important we provide opportunities for our kids to explore and unplug from technology. Sometimes, they just need to be taught how to turn their boredom into something good!

As we get closer to summer, I plan to use these tips to plan our time in June and July:

• Choose a skill and create opportunities to enhance it. Is there something your child is interested in or wants more information about? Have them focus on that skill. Take them to the library to look up books on the topic, talk to someone who is an expert in the field, or watch ‘how to’ videos. Our youngest son recently became interested in drums. We were able to purchase an inexpensive drum kit and Ian began giving him lessons. He now spends time each week working on this skill rather than telling me he is bored.
• Set goals. Our oldest is 100% into soccer. He’s determined to play for Chelsea FC one day! Ian has challenged him to work on his juggling with the soccer ball and see how many kicks he can get in a row. Have your kids set some goals for themselves over the summer and spend time each week working toward those goals.
• Limit technology use. Schedule technology time so everyone knows how much time is allotted for it daily. I’ve seen several ideas on Pinterest where kids have a list of chores/items that have to be accomplished before technology can be used.
• Make a plan. I like to make a general weekly schedule so we can have a basic idea of what the week will look like. When making the schedule, we can set aside time during the week for reading, art, goal time, learning a new skill, pool time, adventures, etc. A schedule also helps remove all the “What are we doing today?” and “When can we do this?” questions that can easily drive my crazy.
• Review math and reading skills. Does this sound like something a teacher would say?!? Make reading goals for the summer. Allow kids to earn treats or prizes if they reach their goal. Also, there are lots of educational games that you can download so when they are using their technology time, they are also reinforcing math and reading skills.
• Make time for friends. One of the things I don’t like about the busy school schedule is that we don’t get to spend time with friends as much as I would like. Summer is a great opportunity to reconnect!
• Go on adventures! One summer we wanted to see how many new parks we could visit that summer. The kids and I had fun mapping them out and then rating each park on how well we liked it. This year we have decided to go on hikes! We live in Colorado, so we have many different options. I’m excited to start researching and planning.

The month of May can be so overwhelming and draining due to all the end of year activities. By the time we get to June, everyone has earned a well-deserved summer. Make your summer fun and filled with things that will create happy memories for all!