Keeping My Kids Busy This Summer Without Losing My Mind

Somewhere around day four of summer break, the magic wears off. The first few days feel like freedom, no lunches to pack, no rushing out the door. And then comes the moment, usually mid morning, when a small person looks up at me and says the words that strike fear into every parent’s heart. I’m bored.

I do not have a Pinterest perfect summer planned. What I have is a loose rhythm that keeps everyone reasonably happy and keeps me from becoming a full time cruise director. Here is what is actually working in our house this summer.

A loose rhythm beats a strict schedule

I tried the color coded hourly schedule once. It lasted about a morning. What works better for us is a simple shape to the day. Something active in the morning while it is cooler, quiet time after lunch, and something low key in the late afternoon. The kids know roughly what is coming, and I am not scrambling to invent fun on the spot every hour.

Get out of the house before 10

This is my number one rule. We get out early, before the heat and before the boredom sets in. In Kansas City that means splash pads, a shady park, or the library before the day gets sticky. The library especially is a quiet hero of summer. Free, air conditioned, and most branches run summer reading programs and events for kids. We come home with a stack of books and a tired toddler, which is the dream.

Let them be a little bored

Here is the part I had to learn the hard way. Boredom is not an emergency. Some of the best play happens about ten minutes after the complaining, once they stop waiting for me to fix it. I have started saying, in the kindest voice I can manage, that boredom is allowed and they are welcome to figure out what is next. Nine times out of ten they invent something better than anything I would have suggested.

Keep a few easy tricks in your back pocket

When I do need to reset the mood, I keep it simple. Water is the great equalizer, a hose, a bin of water with cups, anything wet buys me a solid half hour. A change of scenery to the backyard or even the front steps works wonders. And on the truly feral days, yes, there is a movie, and no, I do not feel bad about it. Survival counts as a parenting win.

Protect a little quiet for yourself

The afternoon quiet time is honestly as much for me as for them. Everyone goes to a separate corner with books, quiet toys, or rest, and I get twenty minutes to drink a cold coffee while it is still cold. It is not selfish. A mom who has had five minutes is a much nicer mom for the rest of the day.

The takeaway

Summer does not have to be a flawless highlight reel. A little rhythm, an early morning out, permission to be bored, and a few water based bribes will get you a long way. The days are long but the summers really are short, sticky hands and all. Hang in there, you are doing better than you think.

How are you surviving summer with your crew? Tell me your tricks in the comments, I need all of them.

So glad you are here.

xo, Pam