Recently I took a vacation of my very own. First time without kids. Ever. So there I am with my love, sitting in a tiny condo in Whistler, B.C. We've hiked all the trails, went canoeing on the lake, went bike riding in a light rain. What else is there to do?
Er, besides the obvious, there was...nothing. I found myself looking out the window, just looking at the trees, the view, letting my thoughts simply wander where they may. There was nothing to do, yet at the same time, there was no need TO do anything. It was wonderful! I remember the same thing from childhood, long summer afternoons watching the clouds slowly morph in shapes, watching an ant crawl up a grass blade over and over.
Geek Dads thinks kids should still have days like that. And you, too. Creativity is found through boredom, they say. I agree with that; my time up at Whistler was one of the most creative I've had.
So don't be tempted to try to fill up your kid's days. Let them be bored; they'll soon enough find something to do, and if it doesn't involve setting the cat on fire or shaving each others' heads, why not let them? (actually, the head-shaving thing would be okay)
Oh, and this also absolves you of any obligation whatsoever to entertain your kids. If you needed permission, that is. So go stare out the window awhile; I promise it'll do you some good!
