“But I’m bored!”

Here are some suggestions for helping children and teenagers manage their summer boredom. 

1. Negotiate with teenagers and older children about what each week will bring.  Camps, time at home, time with relatives, volunteer job, paid job, time with friends.
2. Decide on camps in the spring or early in the summer!  In Calgary, spots go fast.
3. For younger children, set up a special room or corner in your home for summer fun.  Encourage discovery, exploration and learning - include art supplies, instruments, books, pictures, lap top/computer, maps.
4. Allow some choice in summer experiences.  Give your child or youth one or more choices in the programming they will experience in the summer – ensure their investment in their experiences.
5. Learning is not just for school. Based on what topics interest your kids – of all ages - have library books and materials for them to do special projects.  Learning can be fun with no pressure to worry about performance or grades.
6. Talk about the daily plan daily.  Set aside a time each day (perhaps near the end of the day) to check in with your child/teen about how their day has gone and what the plan is for tomorrow.  This can help uncover any gaps in the next day’s events so there is little room for boredom!
7. Create a “boredom box” for your younger kids.  Fill it with ideas for their favorite activities and some surprises.  If your child talks about being bored, direct them to randomly select an item from their boredom box that they helped to make.
8. Summer is a time when kids are most active outside.   As a family, decide on what outdoor activities are fun and safe and what time of the day kids need to check in with adults.
9. Allow downtime at the end of the day – showers, baths, reading, tv, movies and popcorn.   In order to sleep well in warmer weather the body and mind needs time to relax.

Enjoy the rest of the summer!