Kid’s Corner with Dr. Martha Durham: Summertime Parenting Trap

June 23, 2026 - 02:42

As summer rolls in, parents face a familiar dilemma: should you pack your child's schedule with camps, sports, and enrichment activities, or let them lounge around with no plan at all? Dr. Martha Durham, a family counselor, says both extremes can be a trap.

Many parents feel pressure to fill every waking hour with structured activities, worried that boredom is wasted time. But Dr. Durham warns that overscheduling can lead to burnout, anxiety, and a loss of creativity. Kids need unstructured time to daydream, explore, and learn how to entertain themselves. On the flip side, a summer with zero structure can leave children feeling aimless and glued to screens.

The key, she explains, is balance. A few chosen camps or classes that match your child's interests are fine, but leave room for lazy afternoons, family time, and free play. Dr. Durham also advises parents to check their own motives. Are you signing up for activities because your child wants them, or because you fear they will fall behind?

The real goal of summer is rest and connection. Let your kids be bored sometimes. That is where the best ideas often come from.