Are our kids ‘rotting’ or flourishing this Summer?

Digital Discipleship #4

This past week, the New York Times published an article titled “Is It Ok For Your Kids to ‘Rot’ All Summer”. The premise is that parents are debating how their kids should spend their time this summer. Should they structure every minute of the summer, or should they instead give their children the freedom to have an unstructured summer, which they refer to as “kid rotting”? 

As a millennial parent and a child of the 90s, this debate resonates with me. In the case of my family, this summer has been different than any other summer. For the first time since we are parents, both my wife and I have schedules filled with work responsibilities, and though we are thankful for jobs that offer some type of flexibility, this summer has been uniquely challenging. As millennial parents, our instinct is to want to provide a perfectly structured summer filled with activities that would challenge our children artistically, physically, intellectually, and most importantly, spiritually. But as children of the 90’s we also recognize that there is some value in unstructured times of boredom. Some of my most precious memories come from times of boredom that sparked creative (and admittedly at times foolish) ways to have fun with our siblings, cousins, and friends. 

There is a felt pressure to enroll our children in every enriching activity even when it stretches the family budget. Not every household can afford costly camps or lessons and there should be no shame for families who simply cannot do those things. Whatever we decide must flow from faith not fear or comparison.

So what does the Bible say about how our children should spend these months? Every family and every child is different but three biblical principles can guide us as we plan: stewarding time as a gift, embracing God blessed rest and creating space for creative flourishing.

Stewarding Time as a Gift

Jesus told the story of a master who entrusted his servants with talents and held each one accountable for how they used them (Matthew 25:14–30). Time is our most precious resource. Ephesians 5:15–17 urges us to live wisely and make the most of every opportunity. When we teach our children to see each hour as a gift from God we help them learn responsibility and intentionality.

In practice, this might mean a short family devotion each morning (or before going to bed, which is what we do at home), or being intentional with chores or acts of service, something like watering plants or helping a neighbor. These routines reinforce that time belongs to God and every moment can honor Him. Psychologists note that when children view unstructured moments as chances for meaningful choice rather than empty voids, they develop stronger self-regulation and executive-function skills.

Not only is time a gift from God, but how we use it is also a means of worship. Our kids need to remember that Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:31 that whether we eat or drink, or whatever we do, we should do it all to the glory of God.

Embracing God Blessed Rest

One of the temptations of the age we live in is to understand rest as laziness. Rest is not laziness. It is a divine gift woven into creation. On the seventh day God rested and declared it holy (Genesis 2:2–3). Jesus reminded his critics that the Sabbath was made for our good (Mark 2:27). True rest refreshes body and soul and teaches us we do not earn our worth through constant performance.

With that said, even though rest is not sinful, idleness is. The first is a God-ordained pause; the second is an undisciplined drift. Proverbs 24:30–34 warns against the house of a “sluggard” whose field has overgrown with thorns, symbolizing the consequences of prolonged inactivity. While rest replenishes, idleness stagnates. Teaching children the difference helps them grow in both Sabbath-keeping and diligence. It also protects them from the result of idleness, which is more sin. 

At my wife’s request, this summer we have gone on a few walks after dinner (she loves them, the rest of us not so much).But these walks remind us that a little boredom is healthy. Research shows that tolerating unstructured time strengthens emotional stamina and sparks creativity. In that quiet space children learn to soothe themselves and discover new ideas.

Cultivating Creative Flourishing

God has given each child unique gifts, musical, athletic, artistic or academic (1 Corinthians 12:4–7). Proverbs 22:6 encourages us parents to train up our children in the way they should go. In childhood we lay the groundwork for lifelong curiosity and character.

Unstructured play is where imaginations take flight. A cardboard box becomes a spaceship. A blanket fort transforms into a castle. Those spontaneous inventions teach risk taking, problem solving and independence. Paul commended Timothy’s sincere faith nurtured from childhood through Scripture (2 Timothy 3:14–15). We can blend playful freedom with simple spiritual habits such as praying before play or reflecting on a Bible story at bedtime.

Putting It All Together

A flourishing summer is not an endless to-do list nor a season of true neglect. It is a prayerful rhythm of moments: shared devotion, simple work, free play and genuine rest.

This week take a few minutes to sketch a loose daily rhythm. Perhaps begin mornings with five minutes of Bible reading over breakfast. Midmorning, include a household task or service. After lunch, give children unstructured play time outdoors. In the late afternoon read aloud or go for a walk. Keep dinners device-free and end the day with a brief prayer or family reflection.

Trust God with the gaps. He designed work and rest, challenge and boredom to shape our children’s hearts. As we steward summer wisely, grounded in Scripture and grace, our kids will not rot but flourish, growing in creativity, resilience and wonder to the glory of the One who holds every season in his hands.