In our district, the school year ends next week. The first few days of summer vacation will be experienced as no-homework-euphoria but soon it will happen ... kids will get bored.
The following advice is based on recommendations from the Search Institute (www.search.org). One possibility is to collaborate with your kids and create a list, or box, full of ideas for the onset of "bored" moments ~ with older children, this approach provides an opportunity to be self-responsible and replace their boredom with fun and/or engagement in meaningful activities.
Some more specific ideas:
Birth to age 5
Spend time with your children if they are bored.
Keep kids stimulated with ordinary household items.
Visit the library to find books and participate in activities.
Visit the library to find books and participate in activities.
Ages 6 to 9
Invite your child to help with chores.
Introduce kids to new activities (pictures).
Visit some of your child's favorite places.
Introduce kids to new activities (pictures).
Visit some of your child's favorite places.
Visit places that your child with soon outgrow (e.g. children's museum or petting zoo).
Ages 10 to 15
Introduce young teens to new interests.
Monitor what your kids do when they're bored.
Develop a kid-friendly-home where friends can visit and be active together.
Introduce young teens to new interests.
Monitor what your kids do when they're bored.
Develop a kid-friendly-home where friends can visit and be active together.
Find volunteer activities and create your own service-learning program.
Ages 16 to 18
Help teens find a balance in their daily schedule.
Help teens find a balance in their daily schedule.
Help teens pursue their interests.
Offer teens opportunities to dream about their futures and take action steps.
Nurture your child's sparks.
Ask your teen about their friends.
Nurture your child's sparks.
Ask your teen about their friends.
Be a great listener (from birth through adulthood!)
* photos: a "new activity" for two 7-year olds ~ making candy covered pretzel sticks with white frosting ... for a healthier alternative, try celery sticks with cream cheese & craisins :)
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