"Mum, I’m Bored!" — Structuring the Summer Without Overwhelm

Jun 19, 2025

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Summer Structure Without the Stress!

Last summer, a 7-year-old with PDA - protective developmental anxiety, I worked with spent the first week in near-constant distress. Everything her parents asked her to do, she said No!

"Why don't we go to the park today? Response: No...

"What about cycling your bike?" Response: No... I don't want to

"Will we do some baking?" Response: No...

"What about having a friend over?" Response... NO!

"But mum... I'm bored! What will I do!"

Familiar anyone!?

Her mum had planned daily fun outings. Turns out, she needed less doing, more space. And, she needed a visual plan that she could SEE on the wall.

Once they switched to one plan per day, things shifted.

Tips:

Build a Soft Routine
Use simple anchors like: breakfast – chill time – movement – quiet time – dinner. Flexible, but predictable.
Involve Your Child in Planning
Offer choices within limits. “We can do swimming or the park this afternoon — what would feel best?”
Protect Downtime
Schedule quiet recovery days after social or sensory-heavy days. Overwhelm builds fast in summer freedom.

I look forward to speaking with you at 12.30 noon today, where we will discuss building a soft routine with your child, and we will also talk about... going in holidays!

Remember... you got this. You are doing a good job.

Kindest regards,

Your Child and Adolescent Psychologist,

Lorraine Xx

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"Mum, I’m Bored!" — Structuring the Summer Without Overwhelm

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