"I'm bored"

It's amazing to me how many times I have heard the kids use that expression over the last few weeks and I am mostly dumbfounded each time they say it. They're active kids and our family is constantly on the go.  Personally, I feel overscheduled and can only dream of using these words myself.

Today, we walked out of Delgrosso's Amusement Park having just spent the better part of four hours on the rides.  We hadn't even reached the car yet when Cathy said it.

And so I was left to wonder... is this somehow my fault? 


If you've followed One Crazy Summer, you know that we were constantly on the go.  While we had a great time and looked forward to our adventures together, I suspect that the kids would have been just as happy spending lazy days at the pool or at our local parks.  I spent thousands of hours at the community pool in my hometown growing up; it was more than enough.  But knowing that this past summer was likely a once in a lifetime opportunity, I wanted to take full advantage of it.  I wanted the time we spent together to be more memorable than just trips to the pool.

I am reminded constantly that life is short and my time with them is a gift.   If the Summer of Fun is to blame for their 'boredom' now, so be it.  I wouldn't change one minute of it.

But on the other hand, maybe technology is to blame?  Each of the kids has an old (and slow), but certainly useable, laptop.  It's mostly used to play educational games and to access the school district's supplemental math site, IXL Math.  We have a Wii which both kids play masterfully; they probably watch too much TV.  And I am certainly quick to pass them an iPhone or iPod (where they can find their beloved Angry Birds) to keep them quiet when we're out to eat.

But, I like to think that I am providing a good balance for the kids.  They're both playing soccer this fall.  They ride their bikes and catch bugs outside with their friends.  They enjoy hitting balls in the backyard.  They each participated in their first youth cross country meets this fall.  They've rediscovered their Geotrax trains (some of the best money I've ever spent) along with some other long-neglected toys in their toy boxes and bins. 

So, what do I do with their constant claims of boredom?  While the weather is still nice, I'll continue to push them outside as much as possible.  I know once they get out there, they'll be fine.  And they can easily play for hours.  I can point them in the direction of their overflowing toy boxes and I can remind them what a great thing their imagination can be.  They like to build forts, pretend they are traveling (which is great until they head to their rooms and actually pack things into their suitcases), and serve food from their play kitchen.  We've got all sorts of games (and we actually spend a good amount of time playing them): Uno, Monopoly, Zingo are favorites. There are hundreds of books in the house and it's always a good time to practice reading. 

In the end, I think it's all about perception... and the fact that as a society we tend to be overstimulated all the time.  You can't walk down the street any more without passing all sorts of people on their phones, texting, checking their Facebook pages.  Kids aren't much different.  Many are overscheduled, constantly on the go from the minute they get up until the minute they go to bed.  I try not to do that.  I know that is going to get harder over the next few years as we allow the kids to try different sports and activities and decide for themselves where their interests lie.  But for now, I want them to be kids.

Thinking back to my own childhood, I am pretty sure boredom fits in there sometimes.  Instead of immediately reaching for the iPhone so Matt or Cathy can play yet another game of Angry Birds, I think I will just let them ride it out next time... figure out what to do on their own (heaven knows there's more than enough to choose from around here).

Maybe then, I'll finally stop hearing "I'm bored".  I certainly hope so... I've grown bored with their complaints.