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I recently discovered that July is dubbed Anti-Boredom Month. I also realized that we’re already halfway through July—just kidding, but not really. I usually have a good grasp of the month but find myself surprised by the exact date. My life tends to revolve around the days of the week rather than the calendar date. Certain days are reserved for soccer, baseball, and playdates, while my ex and I juggle our own social and work commitments. This busy schedule explains why boredom is a foreign concept in my household. I wouldn’t trade my lively life with three energetic kids and co-parents who are involved in a plethora of activities for anything. So the idea of an anti-boredom month? It’s amusing—I wish I had the luxury of needing a month to fill my time.
National Anti-Boredom Month was initiated by Alan Caruba in the 1980s to counteract the summer slump that occurs after the 4th of July and before back-to-school excitement kicks in. While some may label this time as dull, I see it as a much-needed breather. Currently, we have no sports commitments, our evenings are mostly free, and we’re gearing up for a week of vacation. I’m not concerned about the negative effects of boredom, Alan. I would do anything to experience the bliss of predictability and mental laziness that comes from having nothing to do. My exhaustion doesn’t stem from a lack of stimulation; rather, it comes from the delightful chaos that defines our family life. Just like some may not understand my fear of squirrels—they can be quite aggressive—I will never comprehend the fear of boredom.
For those feeling the pangs of boredom, National Today offers a list of engaging activities to try. However, I have some alternative suggestions to help you navigate those feelings of longing for a simpler time.
Gather Kids Around
You don’t have to borrow your own children; many parents would happily lend you theirs for a day or two. It’s possible to feel soul-crushingly lonely even in the company of kids, yet I’ve never found myself bored with them. My children are full of energy, noise, and sass. They also have insatiable appetites, so it’s a great opportunity to showcase your culinary skills. Just be ready for some honest feedback. While kids may voice their boredom, it’s crucial for their independence and creativity. The antics they come up with are often entertaining. If you hear the word “bored,” don’t be fooled; just wait and see what unfolds. If you want to escalate the fun, give one child a treat while keeping it from the others, and watch the hilarity ensue. My mornings often kick off with accidental favoritism, like giving one child more cereal or offering the last pancake to the one who finished first.
Dive Into Any Task
Once you’ve got kids around, pick any task to tackle. In my home, cooking means dodging children zooming around on hoverboards while trying to keep a balloon afloat. Folding laundry transforms into a pirate adventure, with baskets being commandeered for imaginative play. Let the laundry pile on the table and witness the mystery of its fate by dinner time. Whether it’s mowing the lawn, making a phone call, or just trying to take a shower, I assure you someone will interrupt. Someone will invariably need your attention at the most inconvenient moments.
Embrace the Basic “Fun”
Any outing with my kids turns into a whirlwind of unexpected surprises, akin to signing up for a timeshare you didn’t want. For instance, after enjoying fireworks, we come home only to deal with our dog discovering a vole nest, leading to chaos and rescue missions. Or consider our attempt to buy an above-ground pool, which ends up costing threefold in repairs and accessories.
If you truly want to banish boredom, take the kids out for ice cream for dinner at your favorite spot. Sure, they’ll still be hungry after their cones, and you’ll end up ordering pizza for dessert, which might result in a loose tooth mishap. The excitement doesn’t stop there; the tooth will end up on the ground just as another child realizes they need to use the restroom, only to find it closed. You’ll probably decide you’ve had enough “fun” for one night, only to realize you forgot to tell the kids to carry their pizza carefully, leading to more chaos.
A juggler is scheduled to perform at the park this Friday, but honestly, I’m not sure I can handle it. What I really need is an anti-fuckery month. Can we make that happen, Alan? Thanks.
If you’re interested in more insights, check out this related post on our blog.