You’re Not a Camp Counsellor: Embracing Boredom and Boundaries This Summer
Summer can bring a mix of excitement, guilt, and pressure—especially for parents and caregivers. The long days, school break, and social media feeds full of colour-coordinated craft tables and “magical memories” can lead many adults to feel like they need to become full-time camp counsellors. But here’s the truth: you’re not a camp counsellor—and you don’t need to be.
At Exhale Psychology, we see how this pressure can affect mental health. Let’s talk about what it means to step out of that role, embrace boredom as a gift, and create healthy boundaries for yourself and your family this summer.
The Camp Counsellor Trap
When summer arrives, many parents feel a sudden shift: from managing school schedules to managing expectations for a “perfect” summer. There’s this unspoken (and unrealistic) belief that we should keep our kids constantly entertained, engaged, and enriched.
But that kind of pressure leads to burnout. And when caregivers are exhausted, no one benefits.
You’re allowed to have a summer too. One that includes rest, quiet moments, and yes—even bored kids.
Boredom Is Not a Problem to Solve
We often rush to fix boredom for our children, interpreting it as distress. But boredom is actually a developmental necessity.
It’s in those moments of “nothing to do” that imagination grows. Problem-solving emerges. Inner worlds develop. A bored child might be uncomfortable at first—but given space, they find ways to create, explore, or simply be.
For adults, boredom can be a gentle signal to slow down. It reminds us that we don’t always need to be producing, entertaining, or achieving. Sometimes, just being is enough.
So when your child says, “I’m bored,” try responding with curiosity instead of a solution. Ask: “What do you think you could do with that?” and see what unfolds.
Boundaries Are a Form of Love
Boundaries are not barriers—they are invitations to healthy relationships. Setting limits on your time, energy, and availability teaches your children something essential: that everyone has needs, and everyone deserves respect—including you.
Here are a few ways to set summer boundaries with care:
Create a rhythm, not a rigid schedule: Let days have structure without over-scheduling. You don’t need to fill every hour.
Be honest about your needs: If you need a break, say so. Model emotional awareness and self-care.
Limit screen time and activity overload: You don’t have to choose between overstimulation and passive entertainment. There’s a middle ground in nature walks, downtime, unstructured play, and simple connection.
Say yes to help: Whether it’s childcare swaps, grandparents, or a quiet movie afternoon—use the resources you have. You don’t need to do it all alone.
Redefining Summer Success
A successful summer doesn’t have to look like a Pinterest board. It can look like…
Lazy afternoons reading under a tree
Kids sprawled on the floor with Lego
You enjoying a quiet coffee while the house is (temporarily) messy
Meaningful connections instead of jam-packed calendars
Summer is a season. It’s not a performance. It’s an opportunity to slow down, get off autopilot, and let life unfold a little more naturally.
Final Thoughts: Permission to Be Human
If you need permission to not be a camp counsellor this summer—here it is. Let go of the myth that constant stimulation equals good parenting. Embrace the slower pace, the imperfect days, and the quiet magic that happens when we stop trying to curate every moment.
At Exhale Psychology, we believe that your well-being matters just as much as your child’s. In fact, it’s foundational. Let this summer be one where you honour your limits, trust in your kids’ creativity, and give everyone—yourself included—room to breathe.
Need support in creating healthier boundaries or coping with parental pressure? We’re here to help.
Book an appointment or explore our resources at www.exhalepsychology.com.