After more than a year of staying home, social distancing and Zoom learning, parents may be inclined to overscheduled their children during the summer to make up for lost time. However, educational psychologist and author Michele Borba has said that parents should resist this temptation. Borba offered suggestions of activities that are free or low-cost and are known to boost resilience and reduce stress.

Parents can embrace old-fashioned, unplugged play. Play allows children to use their imaginations, and it may enhance brain development and social-emotional skills, and promote executive functions, thereby helping children to pursue goals, ignore distractions, and reduce stress.

Parents are encouraged to set up a stress box. If left unchecked, stress can affect children's learning potential, friendships, physical health, emotional well-being, and ability to thrive. Families can create a stress box by filling a shoebox or other container with stress reducers such as a notepad and pencil for drawing or writing; a small toy ball; modeling clay; an MP3 or CD player filled with relaxation sounds; bubble blowers; and glitter jars. They may also download an app that teaches mindfulness.

One of the best-known mood elevators is nature. Families can take a 20-minute stroll or sit in a place that makes them feel in contact with nature. Parents should remember to leave their cell phones inside.

Hobbies can be a healthy diversion from stress and a good way for children to recharge, get away from everyday pressures, and learn to enjoy their own company. The trick is to find an activity that supports a child's interests and abilities and that they can do alone.

Parents can teach playground games, such as "Mother, may I?" or duck, duck, goose, and other unplugged activities, such as marbles, jacks, and hula hoops. Children can then share these games with their friends. Playground games allow children to have fun anywhere, recharge and learn to get along with others.

Parents should encourage their child to read. Fictitious worlds can help children deal with real-life problems and promote well-being. Books may also stretch children's attention span, help them focus, and teach them how to be self-sufficient.

The Smithsonian voted the cardboard box the best toy ever. Parents can stock up on boxes in every size from small jewelry boxes to refrigerator crates. Boxes are not only free, but they also can provide hours of imaginative play. Give children some marking pens and masking tape, and they can make igloos, forts, villages, castles, garages, storefronts, and hotels. Provide flashlights and children can turn the boxes into caves.

Children should learn to enjoy spending time alone. They should learn to be self-directed and able to entertain themselves without programming or a lot of unnecessary supervision.