As a kid, I was a bit of a bookworm: I devoured novels, immersed myself in drama classes, and penned lengthy stories about everything from enchanted forests to time-traveling explorers (yes, metaphor alert!). While my peers were busy juggling lifeguarding gigs and camp counseling, I spent my summers hanging out with my grandparents by the beach, just me and the retired crowd, from June through August. Sure, it came with its quirks—like having to schedule hangouts with my friends and dining at 4 p.m.—but the experience was invaluable. Here are seven reasons why a summer of doing nothing can be an extraordinary gift for your kids.
1. They Can Dive into Quirky Self-Improvement Projects.
I often set off on bizarre personal quests: reading a couple of pages of the Bible every day to decipher its meanings or memorizing a passage from Hamlet. I even tried using olive oil in my hair, thinking it would transform my lifeless locks. Spoiler alert: it did not end well.
2. They Learn About Failure.
Turns out, you can’t just change your hair’s texture with olive oil, and some sections of Genesis are snooze-fests. Memorizing Shakespeare can lead to distractions—like cute lifeguards at the beach! But even the flops are important; they instill lessons on planning and execution.
3. They Forge Deeper Family Connections.
While my classmates were chasing after accolades, I cherished the time spent on the porch with my grandparents. I knew those moments were fleeting and far more meaningful than shadowing someone at a law firm. I’d rather learn to make my grandma’s famous peach preserves than sit in an office any day!
4. They Develop Empathy.
Being out of sync with their peers often allows kids to step back and gain a broader perspective. Those lazy summer days meant chatting with my grandma about her career as a psychologist and helping my grandfather with his reporter stories. It was a unique way to cultivate empathy, even in the midst of teenage self-involvement.
5. They Experience Self-Discovery.
When the entire summer lies ahead with no scheduled activities, kids quickly realize that the power to create their own fun rests solely with them. They’ll either craft their own adventures or drive themselves a little bonkers—either way, it’s a lesson in self-reliance.
6. They Discover the Value of Boredom.
For the longest time, I dreaded boredom. But I eventually understood it’s not the monster we think it is. That feeling of emptiness can spark creativity and innovation, providing the mental space to come up with new ideas.
7. They Can Exercise at Their Own Pace.
Hear me out: I’ve never again had the luxury of time and energy to exercise as I did back then. Long, slow bike rides and leisurely swims became part of my everyday routine. As an adult, my workouts are often guilt-driven, crammed into tight schedules. Those carefree summer days of movement were pure bliss.
I miss those sun-soaked summers! Here’s to embracing idleness, which offers far more than we often acknowledge. For more insights on family life and self-care, you might want to check out this post on home insemination kits. If you’re looking for expert information, this resource on fertility is an excellent choice. And for those interested in at-home options, Make a Mom offers a great selection.
Summary:
Encouraging your child to embrace a summer of doing nothing can lead to self-discovery, creativity, and valuable life lessons. From forging deeper family connections to learning the importance of boredom, this laid-back approach can provide kids with the tools they need to thrive.