How to keep boredom at bay during breaks from homeschooling.
Here we are, just a few weeks into our summer break, and my children have already worn out the phrase, "I'm bored"!
Summer is my time to catch up on all those things I cannot find time for during the homeschool year. You know, like cleaning the house, reading, or getting ready for the next school year? Bored kids are definitely an obstacle to my catch-up time! So, how to help the kids without driving myself crazy?
In my area of the world, summer is hot. So hot, that by July we are usually driven indoors by triple digit temperatures and high humidity. So simply throwing the kids out the door is not always an option. Here are two options to stop boredom in its tracks.
1)100 Things to Do When You Are Bored
Make a list for your kids of 100 things to do when they are bored. Be creative and include a wide range of activities. However, make sure you are okay with all you offer. For example, do not include "go swimming" if you do not own a pool and may not want to drive your child to the local pool. Keep the offerings as much in the realm of your child's abilities as possible. Examples might be "Draw a picture", "Phone a friend", "Do a chore for a neighbor or friend (with Mom's permission)", "Read a book", "Invent a game". Be creative!
2) The Boredom Box (Thanks, MaryB for this great suggestion)
Take those 100 bored suggestions, or make new ones, cut them up, fold them, and place them in a box, bucket, or jar. Anytime anyone says, "I'm bored", they have to pull a suggestion, and do it for 20-30 minutes, no mater what. So, even if your son pulls "Play with dolls", that is what he does! What a great way to exercise creativity!
Have fun!
