Summer is so magical and fun. We wait for it all year, right?? Now here we are weeks into it and starting to hear the dreaded “I’m bored” comments. Can you relate? If so, keep reading.
As a mom of two children ages 10 and 7, I really do not want my kids to have a massive summer slide (when their educational progress regresses during the summer). But also, I want to be the fun mom and make fun memories. I’m torn between the two and look for ways to sneak learning into fun. (Know that I’m not above rewarding a good attitude and participation . . . some call it bribery and that’s ok with me!)
Below are some ways I’ve navigated my kids’ “I’m bored” comments in hopes it provides inspiration for anyone else navigating summer boredom with their kids.
There’s No Shame In the Screen Time Game
We’re currently between camps and we have a relaxed at-home routine. We wake up, brush our teeth, make beds, and take the dog for a 15-minute walk. Then I make breakfast, they help clean up, and then (finally, in their minds) they get time to watch TV or their Chrome books. Yes, screen time.
It’s so hot where we live. They need some easy entertainment and I need it for them so I can get some work done. Most moms I know are allowing screen time and are just scared to admit it for fear of shaming.
No worries, none of that here. Our kids can’t play outside the whole day so we do what we need to, right?
When they’ve had enough screen time, that’s when I need to get creative.
Fun Activities with Minimal Prep Effort
I have a few free/cheap ideas that keep them busy and use their little minds. The trick is to make it interesting and occasionally rewarding.
Creative Writing
First, creative story writing. I have them write stories. They get full creative liberty here. It just has to have a beginning, a middle, and an end. Friend, we’ve done this for a few years and their little stories are so great. We go back and read them and laugh.
My daughter created a series last year and followed her fictional family on several adventures. My son created a graphic novel.
Truly, this is my favorite “I’m bored” solution.
Simple Family Games
The next is Uno. It’s the best $7.99 we’ve spent. They can play each other, we can all play together or we can do a tournament where winner keeps advancing. Sometimes we play for old Halloween candy (I know, gambling, you decide if it fits for your family.
For us, it’s so much fun!
Declutter But Make It Fun
This last one is everyone’s least favorite but has to be done and can be made fun: “Find 10 things to get rid of.”
One rule, it can only be their own things (trust me, make this clear. No giving away your sibling’s things!).
I give them a bag, and they hit up their rooms and the house to get rid of 10 things. We’re on bag number 5 and it feels amazing!!!
Libraries for Life
Don’t sleep on your public library! My daughter loves our local library. We go just to read and have also been to some of the activities.
It’s a great way to get out of the house without spending money.
Find the Fun Even in the Mundane
When at the grocery store, we’ll play “The Price Is Right.” I’ll pick 2 or 3 items and the kids guess the price.
If they win they get to choose a treat (usually cereal or some crazy chips I usually say “no” to).
They’re a team (because the summer bickering is a whole other article!) and they don’t know I’m secretly teaching them that toilet paper isn’t free.
Mama, I know these are not revolutionary ideas; however, they’re super simple and I do hope they inspire you to get creative with your children.
I feel like we can get so caught up in buying things and going places, but we don’t have to. Remember that our kids mostly want our time and attention.
A quick tip: they may not be thrilled about these things and that’s ok. Start with a 3-sentence-story and read it in a dramatic voice. Start with 10 seconds to find 10 things. Make it as fun as you can and make it your thing. Now you’re a family who writes and reads stories. Now you have a family game night. Now the grocery store isn’t so dreadful.
I would love to hear your creative boredom-busters. Share yours in the comments!
