Mom…I’m Bored! Summer With Kids
As much as I try to keep my kids active and involved during the summer, there’s always down time. And that means bored and whiny kids.
“I want a friend over.” “Can we go there?” “Will you buy this?” “I’m bored.”
Parents, you can all relate to these questions and comments we field from our kids all…summer…long. In reality, I wish I could go away to summer camp for a month in the summer. That is part of the reason we take our annual trip to Michigan.
Camp Ratterman In Session
But when we’re in town, I like the lack of schedule and enjoying some lazy days. I’m not particularly fond of being the camp counselor at Camp Ratterman because I run out of ideas and it’s a serious challenge keeping the kids busy and entertained. It’s too hot in Phoenix to enjoy outdoor activities, unless a pool is involved.
Even so, I do my best to entertain my kids—pool days, tennis days, nail days, hair days. Sure, I send them to camps too, but when they’re not away I do my best to keep them entertained at local day camps too—arts, music, gymnastics, that kind of thing.
Semi-Empty Nest
Last summer, we had a few weeks where the older kids were away at camp and Jeff and I had some quality time with Molly, who was four. This year may be similar. It’s always very different in the house when the kids are away at camp. It’s so quiet!
We may end up taking advantage of being a few kids light and head off to San Diego or Flagstaff for a get-away with those who are not away at camp.
Jack is preparing for high school next year so he has three books to read for homework. And now that the kids are getting older, they’re able to entertain themselves a bit more. But, the trade-off is it gets more expensive too! No more child discounts for the older kids; the younger kids want to do activities that cost a bit more than last year’s fun.
Find Your Passion
No matter what we end up doing, we all have our own interests and passions and I love watching my kids explore and nurture theirs. It keeps them busy and happy through the hot summer days.
What do you do to keep your kids entertained through the summer? I’d especially love to hear from those who live where it’s difficult to send your kids outside during hot summer days.
