When the alarm clock no longer ushers in the hustle and bustle of the school morning routine, there is no bus to catch or homework to search for, older kids can get restless.  While they may groan each and every morning about how they can’t wait to sleep in and not have to worry about Social Studies, facing Mrs. Cranky Face or listening to Mr. I-Know-He-Hates-Me gym teacher, once they do sleep in, within a few days you will  hear the inevitable “I’m bored!”

It is very easy for some parents nowadays to over schedule summer activities in an attempt to ward off  boredom.  Not only do these children not have time to get bored; they also don’t have the time to relax, rest and genuinely enjoy summertime.  Some enroll the kids in endless sports, drama or day camps which are all scheduled back to back.  Others furiously drag the kids from museums, classes, lectures, tours, sports events and hikes.  This leaves no room for spontaneity.

The key is to successfully find a balance.  Balance in this respect, like any other aspect of your life, is easier said than done.  First, realize older kids, much like younger ones, still need you to set the tone and pace of their summer activities.  One way to do this is to actually sit down with them and ask them face to face, “What do you want from this summer?”  Make a list and research options together.  You can plan out trips to museums that actually interest them, summer blockbusters, art, cooking or swimming classes you can take together, day trips to the beach, visits with family far off and nearby, trips with friends and trips to nearby amusement parks.

You can also talk to parents of your kids’ friends.  You can plan group trips and activities that may qualify you for group discounts.  You can also work with these parents to take turns taking them to the movies they want to see, water parks or any other day long activities they may all want to do.

When making these plans, be sure to leave enough free time.  Remember kids are people too and they may change their minds or decide at the last minute they want to do something else.  Listen to them and understand as they grow and change, so do their interests.  Keep some semblance of routine regardless of plans.  Summer is gone in a snap.  Make the most of it before the bus pulls in and whisks them back to school.