When Boredom Turns to Belligerence: Navigating July with Teens at Home

The Bored Teenager and Summer Storms Are Scary

Ah, July. The long-awaited break from homework, early alarms, and busy school schedules. For the first few weeks, summer feels like a breath of fresh air. But as the Fourth of July fireworks fade and the days get longer (and hotter), something strange happens in even the happiest households—boredom creeps in. And with boredom, sometimes comes…belligerence.

The Mid-Summer Slump Is Real

If you’re the parent of a middle or high schooler in the Olentangy district, you might notice your usually busy, upbeat kids start to transform in July. Suddenly, the child who couldn’t wait for summer is now flopped on the couch, bickering with siblings, grumbling about “nothing to do,” or rolling their eyes at every suggestion you offer.

You’re not alone. Even in homes filled with opportunities—sports, camps, clubs, vacations—affluent families are not immune to the summer doldrums. In fact, sometimes the abundance of choice can make it even harder for kids to self-motivate or appreciate what’s available.

Why Do Kids Get Belligerent When Bored?

It’s easy to chalk it up to teenage attitude, but there’s more to it:

• Structure Disappears: School provides routine and purpose. By July, that structure is long gone, and many teens struggle to self-direct their time.

• Social Disconnect: Friend groups may be traveling, at different camps, or just hard to wrangle outside of school, leading to loneliness or frustration.

• Screen Overload: Extra downtime often means extra screen time, which—despite what they claim—can leave kids irritable and restless.

• Push for Independence: Adolescents crave freedom but don’t always know how to manage it responsibly, leading to conflict with parents over boundaries and expectations.
  

What’s a Mama Bear (or Papa Bear) To Do?

If your July has turned into a daily tug-of-war, here are a few strategies to help your child (and you) thrive through the mid-summer slump:

1. Reintroduce Gentle Structure

Without becoming a summer drill sergeant, create a loose daily rhythm: a set time for waking up, chores, physical activity, creative pursuits, and downtime. Teens may grumble at first, but boundaries help everyone feel more balanced.

2. Encourage Ownership

Involve your teen in planning activities. Have them choose a project, organize a family outing, or even lead the way on dinner one night a week. Giving them a sense of control can reduce resistance.

3. Get Out of the House

A change of scenery does wonders. Day trips to local parks, volunteering, or even just visiting a new coffee shop can break up the monotony.

4. Make Space for Downtime

Not every moment needs to be scheduled. Boredom isn’t the enemy—sometimes it leads to creativity. Give your kids space to be bored, but set limits on passive entertainment like endless scrolling or gaming.

5. Talk It Out

If belligerence becomes the norm, sit down and check in. Often, frustration is masking something deeper: anxiety about the coming school year, trouble with friends, or simply feeling a bit lost.

Final Thoughts

July is tough—on teens and parents alike. If you’re feeling worn down by the moods and monotony, take heart: you’re not failing. You’re living through a perfectly normal stage of the summer cycle. With a little structure, a dash of empathy, and some creative thinking, you and your teen can survive—and even thrive—until the new school year dawns.

Have you found any tricks to beat the mid-summer slump in your family? Share your ideas in the comments below!