Heartland Behavioral Health Services- Summer Boredom Pt. 2- July 19, 2012

This is typically the time of year when parents and caregivers start mumbling, "I cant't wait for school to start!" As we discussed in the previous segment, our children may be experiencing an increase in irritability, fussiness and/or behavior problems related to boredom. Our goal to combat this is to create an opportunity for physical and psychological energy release. Ideas to rid ourselves of the mid-summer blues Create or maintain a schedule-if you already have a daily and weekly schedule maintain it. IF you don't, get one going! Structure is a key element. We tend to allow our kids to stay up later and sleep longer-move away from that. Create a daily chore/responsibility list Get creative and get active! Movement is key-shoot for at least an hour of physical activity each day. Bike riding, swimming, workouts at the gym. The Olympic games are beginning soon-create your own "____ Family Olympics"-involving a variety of events. Schedule play dates and activities with other children Keep them active in sports, camps, community activity-shoot for at least once a week for each child Keep their brains active-have reading, workbook, coloring time each day: Don't let all that brain power the earned last school year be lost! Schedule outings each week-shoot for trips to the park, the playground, museums, library Teach them new skills: how to cook, make homemade ice cream, popsicles