The Pitfalls of Not Being Overscheduled

A message to my kids about using their time wisely.

What you don’t know because you are pre-teen/teenagers, is that time is precious. Learning how to make the most of it, is the key to life. Yup, we all talk to you about time management when it comes to school work, extracurriculars, etc., but it’s what you do with your time when you don’t have an actual deadline looming, that is super important.

That unscheduled time in the summer (and maybe some weekends and evenings during the school year) is so precious because it’s the chance for creativity, problem solving, working, socializing, hanging out in nature – the things that help build your character, make you more interesting, and ward off depression, anxiety and feeling bad about yourself.

Screen time is not how you should fill your downtime.

Studies have shown that [screen time] can actually have a damaging effect on your brain’s ability to exercise cognitive functions, make decisions, process emotions, and control impulses. If you are replacing downtime with screen time, you are likely making your job a lot harder when it comes time to get back to work. 6 Things to Fully Recharge by Christy O’Shoney

So congrats, you have the downtime, you have not been overscheduled. Now what are you going to do ?! Suggestions:

Dismantle the trampoline
Read in the hammock
Meal plan, maybe cook a little (please limit the burnt, rock-hard brownies)
Clean out playroom
Swimming Hole
Go for a walk
Write a story
Ride a bike
Clean out/organize garage
Take over the veggie garden and plant some stuff
Write a song/poem
Create games – invite the neighbors
Call or write to a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while
Create a time capsule; bury it

Don’t fall victim to your unscheduled days this summer, kids, or your parents will apply consequences in the form of screen time control. It may even include a loss of devices altogether.