It’s fun to be bored, said no kid ever. However, I think after this summer break my 7 year old daughter is going to change her point of view on the matter of “being bored”. I’m on the mission to change it.
I remember days of my summer breaks. They were everything but boring. I did not watch TV much (no cable, no much of cartoon choices back then, no electronic gadgets to play with/on). I read quite a bit, I’ve always been a book worm. What’s most important, I’d never had “special” activities planned for me or my siblings by my parents.
Still, I have amazing memories of discovering the world on my own. With a friend or two. With my cousins or without them. Getting up early to watch my aunt milk the cows. Going to the forest to pick fresh blueberries and then sell them on local farmers market. Make blueberry stuffed pierogi with what was left. Exploring the world after dark with my friend. That was the most powerful “quality time” my parents could had given me.
Being honest, I don’t really like comparing my summer breaks to my kids’ summer break. Or my times to “their times”. Times have changed, (they change with each new generation), and what was 20 years ago is no longer anything but memories. But as much as I’m aware of that, I’m also not ready to let go of the thought that it’s FUN TO BE BORED.
It’s also good for you. Especially for the kids. I have recently read several great blog posts about the importance of being bored. Here is one and here another. There are more. Many more. Just google “the importance of being bored” and you’ll find yourself a great number of articles to read.
My 7 year old daughter was pretty upset about the school year coming to an end. She anticipated end of the year means staying home and being bored THE ENTIRE TIME. She wasn’t thrilled that she will not be seeing her friends anymore. Like staying home with mom is one of the most boring things on Earth.
Then again, since the summer started I really haven’t heard much of complaints about being bored. I’m loving every single trip we have, and I can’t be more happier to have the opportunity to spend so much time with my kids. They might think I’m boring and not fun to be around, but being honest with you, I don’t think that’s the problem, AND I’m having a blast, myself. So, who cares! Right!?
On the other hand, she is having so much fun, she can’t keep up with documenting all those fun days in her journal.
Two days ago I witnessed my younger daughter teaching herself how to swim.
I heard her yelling across the swimming pool: I’M SWIMMING!!! I’M SWIMMING!!! I looked up, and there she is, kicking and punching the water like her life depends on it… (because it did). Then, she moved, and moved a little more, and then even more, and just like that she was swimming.
Today, I have to keep an eye on her because she purposefully forgets to put her floats on. She just thinks she’s the pro now. ?
The other day, my older daughter had an amazing time climbing a tree. Simple thing. And yet. She’s been on that tree many time, but not as far as she climbed on that day. I was so proud of her, and the whole experience was just precious.
I made this sweet movie of her adventure. When I turned my camera on to make the video, I had no idea the whole thing is going to be so funny.
The whole adventure was the fruit of a simple picnic we decided to have in the local park. Few friends. Some food and drinks and we were all set.
The mission to change my daughter’s opinion about being bored is almost completed. Just yesterday she mentioned something about the summer being super fun and her not being very upset about being bored anymore. We are not quite yet there, but I’ve got another month or so to work on it. Right?!
How is your summer break going?
If you’d like me to photograph some of your #summerbreakadventures let me know!!! I’m here to help you create amazing memories.
Even better, sign up for the memberships to Ewa Samples Photography so you won’t have to miss on any photo opportunities through the entire year!
