“I’m bored!” Creating a Summer That Works for You and Your Kids

How many times have you already heard “I’m bored!” this summer?

If you’re like most parents, that phrase hits just a few days (or hours!) into the break. And you’re not alone. The shift from school year to summer can feel like jumping off a moving train—suddenly, there’s so much free time… and not much direction.

As a parent coach and a parent myself—I know firsthand how summer break can bring both joy and overwhelm. The days are longer, school is out, and suddenly our children are home… all day, every day. Without the natural structure that school provides, it’s easy for time to slip away, and for tensions and boredom to quietly build.

One of the most common things I hear from parents this time of year is:

“I thought my child would just figure out how to use their time.”

Here’s the truth:

Most kids can’t. Not on their own. And that’s not a flaw—it’s developmentally normal. Kids and teens thrive with boundaries, rhythms, and clear expectations. They feel safer and more capable when there’s a gentle structure guiding their day.

So what can that look like during summer?

It doesn’t have to be rigid or feel like school. A good summer routine includes space for play, rest, creativity, connection, and responsibility. Here are a few ways to bring more peace, purpose, and predictability into your summer days:

• Create a flexible daily rhythm: Think less “schedule,” more “flow.” Try simple blocks like morning chores, outside play, quiet time, creative time, and screen time.
  
  

• Set expectations early in the day: Review the plan each morning together, so kids know what’s coming and feel more in control.
  
  

• Build in choices: Let your child choose between two activities, or which day they’ll do something. This builds buy-in and independence within the structure.
  
  

• Leave room for boredom: Yes, it’s okay! With some structure in place, boredom becomes the spark for creativity—not a stress point.
  

Structure doesn’t take the fun out of summer—it helps make the fun possible. It gives your child the emotional security they need to thrive, and it gives you a break from constantly responding, reacting, and rescuing the day.

When kids know what to expect, they argue less, engage more, and feel more at ease. And so do we.

If you're ready to take your parenting to the next level, or feel stuck in your parenting journey, message me directly or a book a free Parenting Roadmap call.

Best,
Dr. Sarita