As an adult, I look back at childhood summers full of long days and lots of freedom, and I wonder how I ever had the nerve to complain to my mom, “I’m bored.” But I’m guessing that every summer more than one little kid goes to his parents and says exactly the same thing. It might be especially challenging for parents this summer. “Go play with your friends” might not be the best reply during a pandemic, so what to do when confronted with a bored kiddo? You know what I’m going to say – read a book!
You may not be able to visit the library right now, but you can place holds on books and arrange to pick them up when available. Today I’m highlighting five children’s books and two adult titles (because adults experience boredom, too, perhaps even more so right now).
“The Boring Book” by Shinsuke Yoshitake and “Old Rock (is not boring)” by Deb Pilutti are two picture books about what it means to be bored (or boring), and how a change of perspective might be all that is needed to go from dull to interesting. To help small fry find fun activities when the “blahs” strike, check out “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Let’s Play!,” “More Boredom Busters” and “STEM Lab: 25 Super-Cool Projects.” You don’t have to tell your kids that they’ll be learning stuff, like science, math and technology, but these three activity books will power up young brain cells while keeping kids entertained. Win and win!
For the adult who is seeking inspiration in meal-planning, I’ve chosen “Dynamite Chicken: 60 Never-Boring Recipes for Your Favorite Bird” by Tyler Kord. I love chicken, but I have to admit that it can deflate all joy at the dinner table if eaten too often or prepared with the same ingredients again and again. Don’t let your next clucker meal bring you down: try “Chopped Chicken Salad with Watermelon & Ricotta Salata” or “Cider-Braised Drumsticks with Bacon, Fennel & Apples” for a tasty, welcome change. Winner, winner, chicken dinner.
