As a kid, I was a bit of an oddball. I immersed myself in books, dabbled in drama, and even took poetry workshops. While my peers were busy with lifeguarding jobs or summer camps, I found solace at my grandparents’ coastal home, spending my summers with retirees from June to August. While there were some challenges—like dining at 4 p.m. and needing to make an effort to connect with friends my age—the experience had its perks. Here’s why I believe a summer of doing nothing can be incredibly beneficial for kids.
1. They Can Explore Unique Self-Improvement Projects.
During my uneventful summer days, I often set quirky goals: read a couple of pages of the Bible daily, try to memorize a soliloquy from Hamlet, or condition my hair with olive oil in hopes of transforming its texture.
2. They Experience the Value of Failure.
Not every endeavor leads to success—olive oil was a nightmare to wash out, and memorizing Shakespeare can be tricky when distracted by the beach. However, these experiences teach kids valuable lessons about planning and executing their ideas, regardless of the outcome.
3. They Forge Stronger Family Connections.
Spending summers with my grandparents offered me insights into their lives, far removed from the frantic pace of my friends’ activities. I cherished learning to make my grandma’s famous beach plum jelly instead of interning at a law firm.
4. They Develop Greater Sensitivity.
Being out of sync with peers can provide a broader, more compassionate perspective. My summer conversations with my grandmother about her psychology career and my grandfather’s reporting offered me a glimpse into their worlds, enriching my empathy during those formative years.
5. They Discover Self-Actualization.
With an unstructured day ahead, children quickly learn that their happiness is in their hands. Whether creating their own fun or embarking on personal projects, they realize the importance of self-motivation.
6. They Learn the Benefits of Boredom.
Contrary to popular belief, boredom isn’t something to dread. It often sparks creativity, providing the mental space to generate new ideas. Embracing those moments of idle time can lead to unexpected discoveries.
7. They Can Engage in Exercise at Their Own Pace.
Never again will they have the luxury of exercising leisurely. As a teen, I enjoyed long bike rides and relaxed swims, activities driven purely by joy rather than the guilt of squeezing in a workout between adult responsibilities. That carefree, active lifestyle is a treasure worth cherishing.
I genuinely miss those carefree summers! Here’s to the beauty of doing nothing, which often holds more value than we realize. For more insights on parenting, you can check out this privacy policy from one of our other blogs. If you’re looking for more information on home insemination, visit Make A Mom, an authority on the topic.
Summary
Encouraging children to embrace downtime during summer can lead to personal growth, valuable life lessons, and stronger family bonds. From exploring self-improvement projects to discovering the joys of boredom, a summer spent doing nothing can be a potent catalyst for creativity and self-discovery.