Summer Woes: School’s Out, Boredom’s In

The house is full of groaning kids and summer vacation just started! If I’m in the kitchen putting together our lunch, in come my three frowning kids, complaining about how there’s nothing to do and how they’ll probably die of boredom. I just don’t get it, you know? It happens almost all day! Is it my job to keep them entertained or is the downtime they have actually a good thing?

After hours, days and weeks of hard work, children from around the nation (and around the world) are finally able to take a much-needed break from their projects and homework. As summer vacation kicks off, your kids will have time to spare for absolutely anything! However, it’s not uncommon for many children to struggle in finding a way to appease their inevitable boredom. This problem can eventually give way to many moments of stress for parents struggling with complaining children.

If this issue hits a little too close to home, don’t worry. This is an increasingly common issue that many parents deal with during the summer months. The psychologists of Rice Psychology Group of Tampa have prepared information to help you find the most effective solution. 

The struggles of dealing with your child’s constant boredom during summer vacation can be tiresome, but with some effort, you can find the solution that best fits your situation.

It’s important to understand, it’s not your responsibility to rid your children of their boredom! Click To Tweet

It’s Okay to be Bored

Before we begin, it’s important to understand one thing: it’s not your responsibility to rid your children of their boredom! In fact, there is a huge benefit to having downtime. Being bored and having plenty of time to spare can encourage your children to look inside for ways to entertain themselves. According to Lyn Fry, a child psychologist from London, one of the most important roles for any parent is to teach their children to take their place in society.

“Being an adult means occupying yourself and filling up your leisure time in a way that will make you happy,” Fry said to qz.com.

This means your children have to learn to fill their spare time on their own! Parents generally find something for their young kids to do, but when they begin to get “too old” for that, they’re usually at a loss. By being bored, they’ll have the opportunity to completely engage in what they’re doing even if it isn’t to their liking. For example, if they’re really bored, the book they’ve been avoiding might potentially become a very attractive alternative.

Being bored can encourage your children to look for ways to entertain themselves. Click To Tweet

A Way Out

As a parent, the biggest obstacle you’ll face is helping your kids bridge their wanting to do something and figuring out what it is. In order for your kids to bridge that gap and make their way out of boredom, they’ll need to use several developmental skills like:

• Evaluating their feelings so they’re aware of when they’re having a good time and when they’re bored.
• Understanding what produces the positive feelings that arise when they’re doing something they like. Do they enjoy skating or do they enjoy being with their friends as they skate?
• Learning to turn situations into activities that provide more leisure and less boredom. This means that once they recognize their boredom, they’ll be able to actively figure out what a fun alternative will be.

Teaching your kids to find ways to entertain themselves can be challenging, but you can always give them suggestions to help them decide what it is they want to do. Perhaps your little ones would like to:

• Summon their Inner Artist or Storyteller – Your kids can try their hand at drawing or writing creative stories. There’s even a possibility they’ll find their passion doing so!
• Be an Actor – Encourage your kids to make a short acting or dancing routine. Don’t push the idea too far. Let them decide if they’ll like to go with it or choose something else.
• Bake and Start a Business – A step-by-step cookie recipe can come with delicious and educational outcomes! Your kids could potentially take their baked goods and start a cookie stand in your own front yard.

Our Tampa Team is Here to Help

Summer vacation is supposed to be filled with fun and activities, but don’t be surprised if during this period, your house is filled with bored groans throughout the day! If this happens, know that our Tampa-based psychologists are ready to provide the help you need.

At Rice Psychology Group, we understand the frustration and struggles that can often come with calming your children’s boredom, but we’re here to help you figure it out. Our collaborative approach to our parent consultations is designed to help us work with you to find the solution that best fits your family’s needs. For more information about our services, give us a call in Tampa today.