On the first week of summer (Or was it last Saturday?)
The kids all were moaning and starting to say.
To the mom as she worked scrubbing toilets and floor,
“What can we do now? We need something more!”
“What can you do?” Said the mother, surprised.
Were the children so soon needing something to try?
“How can you be bored? There is much you can do!
Why look all around, the world’s waiting for you!”
“There is no room for boredom with the world at your feet.
Let’s look at the choices, ideas, and feats!”
“Have you been creative? Have you painted or glued?
Have you danced, changed your pants, drawn a picture all new?”
“Have you cut out some pictures? Played a tune? Sung a song?
Have you made up a game where things only go wrong?”
“I know!” Mom jumped up. “You could go right outside.
There is room to run races or try new ways to fly.”
“Ride bikes all together. Simon Says. Play some tag.
Try jumping or hopscotch, blowing bubbles or flags.”
“Have you thrown a ball yet? Swung a bat? Caught a pass?
Have you climbed to the tree top? Played with sand? Made a mess?”
“Then again,” said the mom. “Maybe outdoors needs to wait.
But how ’bout adventures of fortune and fate?”
“Have you read a good book? Maybe two, maybe three?
Go discover the wonderful worlds left to see!”
“Have you driven buses with Pigeon? Helped the Hen bake some bread?
Have you seen the Gruffalo or the Magic Treehouse instead?”
“There’s Corduroy, Ramona, and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.
There’s Laura Ingalls, Cam Jansen, and of course, Owl Moon.”
“There are so many favorites you can read if you choose.
Go adventure with books, and trying writing them, too!”
“Or maybe try exercise? It’s a great way to have fun.
Take the dog for a walk or just hop and skip and run and all of your boredom will quickly be done.”
“Still not working?” said Mom. “Still can’t figure it out?
Well, there’s one other thing that might just make you shout.”
“You can help me! I have chores left to do.
Every one of you is welcome to pick one or two.”
“You can dust, sweep the floors, pick up toys, wash the plates.
I have laundry to fold, shoes to pair, beds to make.”
“Wait, where are you going?” Mom called as kids ran.
Then she smiled to herself as they made their own plans.
So whether it’s summer or just Saturday.
There is always a lot of ways kiddos can play.
Simply give them their choices and end up with chores.
And they’ll become busier than ever before.
The End.
