“If parents spend all their time filling up their child’s spare time, then the child’s never going to learn to do this for themselves.”

Fry suggests that at the the start of the summer, parents sit down with their kids—at least those above the age of four—and collectively write down a list of everything their children might enjoy doing during their break. These can be basic activities, such as playing cards, reading a book, or going for a bicycle ride. They could also be more elaborate ideas such as cooking a fancy dinner, putting on a play, or practicing photography.

Then, if your child comes to you throughout the summer complaining of boredom, tell them to go and look at the list.

I think children need to learn how to be bored in order to motivate themselves to get things done. Being bored is a way to make children self-reliant.”