"Mom, I'm BORED"

Beating summertime boredom can be a notable challenge, especially by the end of summer!

When parents hear their children complain of boredom in the summer, it can trigger irritation -- or panic. Summer is a time when parents are more likely to hear this, as the amount of unstructured and unplanned free time is much greater.

First and foremost, parents need to ask their child what exactly they mean by "I'm bored." Complaints of boredom can mean anything from 'I had a fight with a friend' to 'I"m afraid to try something new.' It is essential that you sit and talk with your child before providing them with an escape from dealing with what's really bothering them. Pick a time to talk when you're not rushed and your child is not tired, hungry or wants to go play.

After talking with them, and assuming it really IS boredom, one thing is crucial to remember: Give them simple ideas and let them creatively determine what to do. Boredom, if handled well, is an opportunity for a child to learn creative and resourceful ways to cope. Remember that your job as a parent is to promote problem solving and resourcefulness, not over-dependency.

Entertaining your child whenever they complain of boredom is a style of parenting that encourages dependency, a precedent you (hopefully) do not want to set. Once kids learn they have options to deal with unstructured time, they often feel quite accomplished and proud of their own creativity and abilities.

Encourage Problem Solving

1. This should ideally start early in a child's life. It is much harder to change once dependency habits have been formed.

2. Promote independence by praising even the slightest accomplishment. Regardless if it's tying his shoe or making a first meal, every effort towards independence should be recognized.

3. Give your child the impression you believe in him/her. Remind him/her you'll be around to help if they need it, but you truly believe they can figure it out. Many times, this is more an issue for the parent wanting things done perfectly, or feeling afraid to let go. This is perfectly normal but, at some point, you need to allow your child some independence.

4. Don't keep your child busy every minute. Give him/her the chance to tolerate unstructured downtime and see what he/she does with it. We live in a world where kids are constantly bombarded with computers, cell phones, and hand-held games to occupy their every moment. They need to be given opportunities to develop problem solving skills and they may just surprise you.

If you learn they are truly bored after talking with them, here are some basic ideas to get them on their way. Remember, give them a small suggestion, and see where they go with it.

INDOOR ACTIVITIES

1. Surf the web (parent, not child): Crafts, projects, recipes, outdoor games and game websites are just a few things you'll find to give kids ideas.

2. Plan a meal. Again, they may need some direction, but they can determine how to have all food groups, go to the store with you and prepare it.

3. Develop a hobby. Make it simple, like collecting coins, bugs, stamps, rocks and minerals, or whatever they like.

4. Make your own stationary. You can use simple computer paper and rubber or potato stamp it, or help them make it on the computer. They can use images of their face, icons, or whatever they're into.

5. Make a movie. Have them write the script, find costumes (usually they can do this from their own clothes) and have an adult or older child videotape. Let them pretend to be news anchors, re-enact a show, etc. It is very telling what your children are learning about their community and the world based on what they put in their script. Maybe it will even be YouTube-worthy!

6. Have them write their autobiography. Get a blank book (available at most bookstores). Help them define each page with things to write about, like "The day I was born," "My favorite foods," etc. They can use magazine photos, letters, or pictures of themselves as well.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

1. Gardening is great! Have them search the web for ideas about what grows well in their climate,

what attracts certain birds, insects, butterflies, etc. Use window boxes or pots if space is

limited.

2. Take a picture -- it'll last longer! Get a disposable camera or use a cell phone and let them                        come up with the theme. They can take photos throughout the summer, get an album or

scrapbook, or post their pictures online.

3. Campout. If it's raining, set up the tent in the house. Let them set up blankets over chairs, use flashlights and just have fun. Of course, if weather permits, this can be done out in the yard as well.

4. Water, water everywhere! Water balloons, water guns, and almost anything related to water is a great summer activity. If your kids are small (toddlers), give them a bucket of water and a paintbrush and let them 'paint' the driveway. If it's raining (and not lightning), let them run and play outside.

5. Treasure Hunt. This depends how many kids are able to set up the hunt and how many can search. If you need, you can set up the hunt and let them find the treasure.

6. Hide and Seek. I still have teens playing this game in my backyard! This is especially fun                           if you have creative spaces where kids can hide or if the kids are old enough to play it                           in the dark.

Hopefully this has offered some direction when dealing with summer boredom. Summer can be when some of the best childhood memories are made. Let your children make them happen.