I recently discovered that July is designated as Anti-Boredom Month, which is amusing considering I just realized it was July—kidding, but not really. I usually have a good grasp of the month but often get thrown by the exact date. I tend to keep track of my schedule by days of the week rather than specific numbers. Soccer, baseball, hockey, summer camp trips, and playdates fill our days, and my co-parent and I constantly balance our own social, work, and travel commitments. With this whirlwind of activities, it’s no wonder that I never experience a dull moment. While I cherish my hectic life with three energetic children and co-parents with diverse interests, the idea of an anti-boredom month is laughable; I wish I had time to be bored.
National Anti-Boredom Month was introduced in the 1980s by Alan Caruba to counteract the summer slump that often occurs after the 4th of July and before back-to-school preparations begin. While some might call this period dull, I see it as a much-needed breather. Right now, we’re in a sports hiatus, our evenings are mostly free, and we’re gearing up for a vacation week. I’m not concerned about the supposed negative effects of boredom, Sir. I’d give anything to experience the sweet simplicity and mental downtime that comes from having fewer obligations. My exhaustion stems not from a lack of things to do but from the delightful chaos that defines my family life. Just as some people don’t get my fear of squirrels—seriously, they’re terrifying—I’ll never grasp the concept of “thaasophobia,” the fear of boredom.
If you’re feeling the weight of boredom, National Today offers a list of enjoyable activities to try. However, I have some unconventional suggestions to help you shift from feeling bored to longing for the days of simpler times.
Borrow Some Kids
You don’t even need to be their parent. I know plenty of parents who would happily lend you their kids for a day or two. While it’s possible to feel isolated even when surrounded by children, I’ve never once felt bored while spending time with my own or others’. My kids are high-maintenance, loud, and forever sassy. They’re also insatiably hungry, so feel free to hone your cooking skills on their discerning palates. Just be ready for some critical feedback. Kids may complain about boredom, but that’s a chance for them to develop independence and creativity, and the antics they come up with can be quite entertaining. So, if you hear them say they’re bored, don’t be fooled—just hang tight. If that fails, try giving one child a treat while withholding from the others and watch the chaos unfold. I often kick off my days of defeating boredom by accidentally giving one child more cereal or offering the last pancake to the one who’s already finished while the others still have plenty left.
Tackle Any Task
Once you have kids around, pick something to do—anything. In my house, cooking means maneuvering around children zooming on hoverboards while attempting to play hockey or keep a balloon in the air. Folding laundry turns into a pirate adventure, with kids commandeering the laundry baskets for their imaginative games. Leave the laundry on the table and see where it ends up by dinner. Mow the lawn, make a call, take a shower, or just sit down. I assure you that someone will inevitably ask to give their stuffed animals a spa day while the lawn mower is on, or they will scream your name while you’re trying to relax.
Engage in Basic “Fun” Activities
Anything enjoyable that involves my kids often feels like an unexpected financial commitment. A simple outing, like watching fireworks, turns into a whole ordeal—coming home to let the dog out, only for it to find a nest of baby voles. You’ll end up saving some of them, only for a stray cat to swoop in later. If you really want to beat boredom, consider going out for ice cream for dinner. But expect that the kids will still be hungry after their cones, leading to a pizza run that ends with one child losing a loose tooth.
This Friday, a juggler is performing in the park, but honestly, I’m not sure I can handle it. What I could really use is an anti-fuckery month. Can we work on that, Alan? Thanks.
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Summary:
July is designated as Anti-Boredom Month, a concept introduced in the 1980s to address the summer lull after Independence Day. While some parents may feel the weight of boredom during this time, others find it to be a welcome break. Engaging with children, tackling household tasks, and finding fun activities can keep the family entertained. Ultimately, a busy life filled with chaos may prevent boredom, but the desire for a moment of tranquility is something many parents can relate to.