Kids Summer Survival Guide for Boredom!

Plus: A Kids Podcast that Beats Summer Binge-Watching

Author

Lakshmi Jayanthi
June 19, 2024

School's out, woohoo! While part of me is thrilled to let go of the chaotic morning routine, the other part knows that boredom and “I'm so bored” whines will inevitably creep in over summer break. But, as a mom of two energetic boys, I have a few tricks up my sleeve to beat the boredom monster!

Looking for a fun way to break up the screen time this summer?

My first sanity-saving tip? Switch up screen time with some non-video fun from Netflix. Yes, you read that right - Netflix has an awesome podcast that's perfect for keeping those little minds engaged away from the TV.

Check-out Popcorn Brainstorm! Jokes & Trivia for Kids, the chart-topping Kids & Family podcast from Netflix. Featuring trivia, games and jokes from your favorite Netflix films and series, Popcorn Brainstorm explores Leo, The Dragon Prince and more!

Beat the "Mom/Dad, I'm Bored!" Blues: A Kid-Tested Summer Survival Guide

Here in Georgia, our Summer break officially kicked off this week. I asked my little guys if there was anything they wanted to learn or get better at over the summer. My 8-year-old immediately said, “typing!” 🤔 (really!)

Since we all dread the words, “I’m bored” we put together a summer “Bucket List for Kids” - but more of a “Life skills” bucket list disguised as summer adventures. I hope this sparks some ideas for you.

Here’s our summer life skills bucket list!

✂️ Learn to Sew: From buttons to holes, mastering basic sewing skills now may save the kids many a wardrobe crisis later.

💻 Junior Tech Wizards: Start building typing skills, creating silly memes on Canva, or making a PowerPoint on the most random topic their hearts desire.

👕 Folding 101: Yes, letting them “practice” folding laundry counts as an activity. Maybe they’ll finally learn the joys of Marie Kondo?

👨🏼‍🍳👩🏼‍🍳 Kid Chefs: Put them to work making one family meal per week. You get a night off cooking, they learn valuable skills.

🩹 CPR: Let’s build those life-saving skills! Kids as young as 9 can learn and retain CPR skills (though it’s important to have refreshers!)

🗺️ Map Masters: Switch off the GPS and have them navigate your next road trip with an actual map. Future genius skills unlocked!

🚘 Pump It Up (Maybe Not Literally): For the older kids (age 8 and up), consider teaching them how to pour gas into the car (with adult supervision, of course!). It's a valuable skill, and who knows, it might even come in handy on a future road trip adventure (just be sure to emphasize safety first!).

🌞 This summer, toss the stress and embrace the mess! These life skills will prepare your kids for the real world, and you might just have some laughs along the way.