Summer is supposed to be a time for relaxation, poolside fun, and freedom from rigid schedules. When we’re in the thick of the hectic school routine, it feels like a dream come true, right? But just one week into summer, and parents everywhere realize that wishing away the school year was a grave error.
Fast forward a few weeks, and I’m frantically searching for summer camps that might still have openings for three kids. Summer often turns into a whirlwind of complaints, arguments over imaginary games, and far too much screen time. And don’t even get me started on the three words that truly test my patience: “Mom, I’m bored!” (Which I hear a staggering 85 times a day).
Excuse me while I chuckle at that. Last time I checked, my dear children, you have an entire room filled with toys, countless books waiting to be read, a trampoline, a spacious backyard, and all sorts of bikes and scooters. If boredom strikes, it’s time for a reality check.
So, if you come to me with your boredom complaints, be prepared, because I will definitely find something for you to do—and you won’t be thanking me for it. And if you dare to utter “I’m bored” during a mere 10-minute car ride, let me share a little story from 1985 when I took a cross-country trip with my family, sans any screens for entertainment.
Sweet kiddos, you wouldn’t recognize true boredom if it hit you square in the face.
I am not your entertainment coordinator. My role isn’t to cater to your every whim while juggling dinner prep and bills. Believe me, my responsibilities are already overwhelming enough. I don’t need the added pressure of keeping you entertained every single moment of the day, especially since I know you’ll likely complain about whatever fun outing I might have planned anyway.
I’m already doing a ton for you—laundering your clothes, taking you to the library, and driving you to friends’ houses. But sometimes, this mom has to tackle her own to-do list. While I love taking you to the park, zoo, or any other fun place, I also have chores like grocery shopping and washing sheets (which, by the way, benefits you too).
So, if you dare to say “I’m bored,” here’s the deal: You might find yourself occupied with some chores around the house, like cleaning baseboards or scrubbing toilets. At the very least, your boredom will lead to some form of labor, because this home isn’t a kid spa where you lounge around doing nothing and whine about boredom when the tablet dies.
If you’re truly bored, how about picking up the shoes and towels scattered throughout the house or grabbing the vacuum to clean up that trail of crumbs from the back door to the front?
Feeling bored? Write a letter to your grandparents who spoil you endlessly, or sort through your overflowing toy collection and donate some to kids who would never dream of saying “I’m bored” to their busy, exhausted mothers.
If boredom persists, I’ll make sure you learn to handle your laundry properly and give you a crash course on how to wipe down those sticky refrigerator shelves.
If you’re still at a loss, I’m more than happy to have you tackle those tasks I never manage to get to, like dusting or organizing the spice cabinet and clearing out expired food from the fridge. I’m often preoccupied with taking you to libraries, swimming pools, and children’s museums, after all.
I genuinely want to create memorable experiences, and we’ll have plenty of exciting adventures this summer. However, it needs to be a two-way street. Sometimes, my dear children, you’ll have to entertain yourselves while I catch up on chores, do some yard work, or simply enjoy the AC—and guess what? You’ll be better for it.
And other days, I’ll happily help you set up a lemonade stand or build an epic fort. You may not see it now, but being bored is a gift I’m giving you. While it may feel like a curse, I can always find tasks for you to do. It’s a gift because, in your boredom, you will learn to be imaginative, dive into books, and appreciate how privileged you are to have the luxury of boredom.
So, please, take “I’m bored” out of your vocabulary. Just remember that being bored is one of the best gifts I can offer you. It means you’re getting away with not doing all the things I could (and should) have you do to contribute around here.
And for that, my dear children, you should be grateful. If not, here’s a mop—let’s get you acquainted with it.