It’s hard for me to fathom, but our school year ends this Wednesday. And while the official First Day of Summer doesn’t come for a few more weeks, at our house the season’s start isn’t defined by the tilt of the earth’s axis or how the sun appears to move in the sky. Nope. ‘Round these parts, the onset of Summer is heralded by a number of other telltale signs, manifested in the demeanor of my two daughters. Here are just a few:

heavy sighs

general crankiness

glassy stares

increased sibling infighting

dramatic, aimless wandering about the house

more heavy sighs

Once these start to occur on a regular basis, I know that Summer Has Arrived.

Now, I firmly believe that in most instances, boredom breeds creativity in kids. (What’s bred in those other instances? Crime.) But when you’ve got a long, hot, school-less three months ahead, it’s the parents who have to get creative to fight the summer doldrums.

For moms and dads who might already be at their wit’s end this early in the game, rest assured there are plenty of resources out there, including this clever idea.

In the meantime, Happy Summer (or Almost-Summer) to you. And to all…Good Luck!

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Summer of Their Discontent

They’ve got a trampoline
and bicycles
a pool just down the street

a cabinet full of art supplies
a chess set that’s complete

a couple shelves of good books
a library nearby

a sibling and a hamster
and games in good supply

a best friend ‘round the corner
and another right next door

a basketball
a volleyball
a soccer ball
and more

a skateboard and a scooter
a fishing pole and net

a Frisbee™ and a dog
(that pet we had to get)

a front yard with a tree to climb
a back yard with a swing

a water hose
a sprinkler
balloons to fill and fling

a Game Boy and a Wii
a stereo, CDs

a laptop and a tv
a zillion DVDs…

With all these things to play and do,
I have to say I’m floored

to hear that dreaded, dreadful phrase —
You know the one:  “I’m bored.”

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©2010 Carlotta Eike Stankiewicz

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