The phrase “the dog days of summer” refers to the hottest days of summer. For families with children, that period is often marked by repeated declarations of “I’m bored” and/or “There’s nothing to do.” While many kids are excited at the start of summer, by early August, those same youngsters may be feeling a little bored. As summer winds down, parents and children can use these strategies to overcome end-of-summer boredom.

Let kids take on some of the cooking duties.

Children may not jump at the chance to vacuum a living room or reorganize a linen closet, but having them cook a family meal a couple of days each week can keep them productively engaged. Middle-school-aged children and older can typically manage the tasks involved in preparing a meal from start to finish, but parents should gauge each child’s readiness and assign tasks accordingly. Giving them this responsibility a few days a week and letting them choose the menu can liven up their late afternoons and early evenings. 

Encourage kids to pick a new hobby.

Hobbies aren’t just a way to make downtime fun; they’re also a great way to boost mental health. Mental Health America says hobbies activate parts of the brain that help people process emotions and build connections with others. Hobbies also help create small wins and a sense of progress. Seeing daily progress might help kids stay engaged with a new activity. When the final weeks of summer vacation arrive and summer camp has closed, encourage kids to pick a new hobby like photography, painting, or even writing. These activities engage children’s brains and can foster a long-term passion. If parents have some free time, engage in the hobby alongside a child, which might make the child enjoy it even more.

Get in touch with fellow parents.

School-aged children may not see their classroom friends over the summer, as parents’ work schedules differ, and kids may attend a variety of summer camps. As the final weeks of summer approach, reach out to fellow parents to arrange playdates and additional activities where both families can get together. Parents can share hosting duties or alternate days taking the kids for routine social interaction and a chance to reconnect with their friends as the first day of school approaches.

Write and perform a play or story each week.

Another way to keep kids occupied and help their brains shake off the dust after a month-plus without homework is to encourage them to write and perform a play or story each week. Parents can help kids identify a fun story angle and let them choose and design their own costumes. The weekly performance can feature everyone in the household, which can excite children and keep them engaged in this fun task. Film each performance so everyone can look back on these memories for years to come.
The dog days of summer can be challenging in households with young children. But there are many things parents can do to alleviate kids’ boredom as summer vacation winds down.