A new study by ScotRail reveals that parents are bracing for a summer holiday slump, with 'peak boredom' expected to hit children around July 15, the third week of the break. Research shows kids begin complaining of having nothing to do from that date, with parents hearing 'I'm bored' an average of four times per week. Many families rely on screens three times a week to keep children occupied.
Boredom as an Opportunity for Growth
Dr Rebecca Johnson, a Youth Mental Health Psychologist, argues that boredom is not necessarily a negative experience. 'Boredom often gets a bad reputation, but it creates space for children to think, explore and discover what genuinely interests them,' she said. 'When children aren't constantly being entertained or occupied, they're more likely to become creative, solve problems and make their own fun. Those are all valuable skills that support their confidence, resilience and wellbeing.'
The study of 1,000 Scottish parents found that almost 40% worry about their children being bored up to six times every week during the school break – almost once a day – while nearly one in ten say their children complain they're bored daily. Dr Johnson emphasizes that 'boredom isn't a problem to solve – it's an opportunity.'
Tips for Busting Boredom
Dr Johnson offers five tips for parents to navigate the holiday slump:
- Don't rush to 'fix' boredom: Allow children to sit with boredom and discover their own interests.
- Let children shape their summer: Give them choices in daily activities to build confidence and independence.
- Swap screen time for real-world experiences: Outdoor environments encourage imagination and problem-solving.
- Small adventures are meaningful: A train journey or visit to a local park can create lasting memories.
- Change of scenery helps: Even a short trip to a different area can refresh curiosity.
Dr Johnson added: 'Connection matters much more than constant entertainment. Whether it's chatting on a train, playing cards together, exploring somewhere new or simply looking out of the window, children are much more likely to remember how they felt than how expensive the day out was.'
ScotRail's Family-Friendly Initiatives
As an alternative to screens, ScotRail has launched a 'bucket list' of family-friendly destinations accessible by rail, including beaches, castles, museums, wildlife parks, country parks, and cities. Claire Dickie, ScotRail commercial director, said: 'It's a huge challenge keeping children entertained throughout the long summer holidays, especially once the excitement of the first couple of weeks starts to fade. Our research shows many families naturally turn to screens, but sometimes the best adventures begin by simply getting out and exploring somewhere new together.'
ScotRail's Kids for a Quid tickets allow up to four children aged five to 15 to travel for £1 return each when accompanied by a fare-paying adult, making family days out more affordable. Dr Johnson concludes: 'Parents shouldn't feel they have to fill every minute of the holidays. Giving children opportunities to experience a little boredom, explore new places, spend time outdoors and make choices about their day helps build skills they'll carry with them long after the summer is over.'
