Don’t Give Boredom A Chance During Summer

With the traditional school year about to end, summer beckons to teenagers across the country. While long lazy non-structured days seem appealing, boredom often sets in quickly for adolescents during the summer months.

Unlike younger siblings who go to bed earlier, take naps and participate in cooperative play groups, adolescents seem to desire a more complicated way of passing the afternoons and evenings (often sleeping until noon, if allowed to do so).

Teenagers feeling the urge for independence and autonomy often think of working during the summer, especially if both parents work or if they are from a single-parent family. But employment is often difficult to obtain as laws, liability and insurance affect a teen’s status. Teens also have to compete with older counterparts also seeking work.

So teens may end up roaming the neighborhood, being turned loose at the mall, dropped off for the day at the neighborhood swimming pool or simply left at home to amuse themselves.

What’s the answer? Here are some suggestions:

Start planning now. Brainstorm with friends and network with people in organizations that have interesting activities.

Consider volunteerism. Check with the director of volunteer services at health-care facilities, nursing homes, museums, parks and recreation departments and vacation Bible schools held in many churches during the summer. Learning to serve others is a valuable lesson.

Look to universities and community colleges for programs in the sciences, arts, music, athletics. Tennis or swimming lessons are usually available at recreation centers. Seek preparatory, enrichment or remedial programs that develop artistic or creative talents or reinforce academic programs. Look at programs offered by the local library and check out books for summer reading.

Check with youth organizations such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, YMCA or YWCA that offer camps for the day or week.

Visit family or friends in another city, experiencing and enjoying their lifestyle and routine. Grandparents are often enthusiastic about having a summer visit from their grandchildren when they are given time to plan in advance.