See You on the Other Side

By Christina Walker

Mr. Ryden, who is not only Geneva’s head of school but also a brilliant summer fun expert, wrote in The Courier recently and encouraged our community—older and younger members alike—to have a “joyful and relaxing summer break … filled with exercise, fresh air, play, reading, and sleep.” He reminisced about his younger days during the summer, which were full of sports with friends, board games, swimming, and reading.

Considering our devices consume so much of our time, setting them aside for more old-school entertainment can seem challenging. We as parents may fear, as Mr. Ryden said, hearing, “I’m bored!” from our children. However, he also correctly concluded that “on the other side of boredom is a whole world of creativity, exercise, and fun.” From making pillow forts to playing board games, hiking and kayaking to reading and hanging out with neighbors or friends, there are myriad activities that both parents and their children (no matter the ages) can enjoy this summer.

I have seen it myself; when kids are together without their screens, they come up with amazing ideas and their imaginations take over. From playing games as characters (that everyone guesses after the game is over) to writing stories, this summer has already been full of nonscreen fun for my own children.

Make time for getting outside, playing games, cuddling up with a good book, or baking something fun together over these remaining summer weeks. The memories you make will be worth it! And if you happen to hear someone say, “I’m bored,” wait it out and see what happens; encourage your children (even older ones) to seek out what is on the other side of that feeling of boredom. Who knows what paths they will discover and enjoy!

Summer fun for little or big kids:

• Card games
• Board games
• Imagination games
• Coloring books and other activity books (some coloring books are intricate and complex)
• Mad libs
• Puzzles
• Cooking or baking with mom, dad, or siblings
• Playing in the rain
• Going to the park
• Taking a walk
• Hiking
• Kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding
• Swimming with friends
• Reading
• Writing a story or poetry