“I’m bored” is a phrase used by nearly every child. Have some summer fun and use these practical tips for thriving this summer vacation. Don’t forget to grab our free “I’m bored ideas” list to create your, “I’m bored jar.”
“Mom, Dad, I’m bored!”
It’s hard to imagine that school is already out, kids are home for the summer, and the phrase, “Mom/Dad, I’m bored” is about to be sung throughout your home.
Rest assured it’s perfectly normal for your little ones to feel boredom. This is actually a good thing.
However, I do not want you to feel like you have to entertain your child’s every boredom spell and be their entertainment. You will run yourself ragged and tired.
Summer is a time where families should look forward to spending time together and enjoying moments with one another. This is the time for children to learn and grow with mom and dad, at summer camps, with friends, and going on adventures.
This shouldn’t be the time when you’re counting down the days until school starts again, dreading every moment and dragging your feet to the splash pad for the millionth time.
So how do you help your children fight their boredom without losing your mind (and resorting to video games, television, and other sit-down media options?)
“I’m Bored!” How to Fight Summer Boredom (without losing your mind)
1. Create a Summer Plan
Sit down together as a family and create a summer plan. If you want to take this a step further, print out a three-month calendar so you can block certain dates off and write notes in the day’s boxes.
Block out family vacations, summer camps, church retreats, and other plans you and your family have committed to. Look over the remaining open days and discuss different ideas you and your children can easily do during those quiet days.
2. What’s Happing in the Community?
Visit your city’s website, the local library and the nearest college to look into their summer activities. One thing you can do (that’s free) is sign-up your children for the local library’s summer reading program (check with your nearest library for their sign-up dates).
If finances permit, consider signing up your children for day camps involving science, sports, crafts, or anything else they might be interested in. This will teach them new skills while helping them to make new friends.
3. Create an “I’m Bored” Jar
If you’re not wanting to travel far from home due to hot weather, consider creating a boredom jar together. Find a mason jar (pint jars work best, but if you have a quart-sized, that’s okay too – it’s whatever works best for you).
Some boredom jars have fancy popsicle sticks, but you don’t need to do anything out of the ordinary. The first thing is to make one.
No matter your summer plans, I promise you can enjoy this summer rather than lose your mind or sanity. Make a plan to be present, know what activities your family will be doing, create a boredom jar and combat the phrase, “Mom/Dad, I’m bored” this year.
I would love to know what things you and your family do to fight boredom. What are some of your favorite activities (around the house or outside)? Leave a comment below to share with our community.
Micah Klug is a wife, homeschooling mother to five children, and author. She teaches time-tested solutions to help parents remember what matters most in life, including strengthening their home, faith, and family relationships. To learn how a child who grew up in an authoritarian home is now creating an environment of peace and joy in her own home visit this page. If you want to contact Micah, send her an email here or email [email protected].
School is out for my kids next week! Thank you for the great ideas!
#2 is what we do too…my kids love the library reading program and rarely a weekend goes by when there isn’t a festival or parade to attend.
Bless your heart, Vicki. Good luck with your children when they get out of school. I hope you have an awesome summer full of safety and fun. (Be sure to bring extra buckets for the candy in the parades. Heaven knows how much the kids love to gather them up, haha).