Summer is here in India—bringing with it scorching heat, school holidays, and of course, mangoes. In every Indian home, summer vacation is almost synonymous with these golden delights. Whether it’s slicing an Alphonso, sucking on a Langda, or slurping aamras with hot puris, mangoes are the true stars of this season.

But while mangoes remain timeless, summer holidays with teens? That’s a whole different story.

Where Did Those Simple Days Go?

Gone are the days when summer meant less work for parents. Back then, when the kids were little, all they needed was a pile of toys, a few cartoons, and they were happy. They could spend the day in their pajamas, building pillow forts and eating mangoes, with not a care in the world.

But now, with teens in the house, every day has to be an adventure. If it’s not planned, scheduled, or thrilling, it’s declared “boring” before breakfast.

We’ve Done It All

Trip to grandma’s? ✔️
Family picnic? ✔️
Dining out, game nights, baking cookies and doughnuts? ✔️✔️✔️
Tried a new hobby—crocheting? ✔️

And still, the phrase echoes: “There’s nothing to do.”

It’s a strange age—no longer children, but not yet full-grown adults. They can’t go back to toys, but they aren’t quite ready for adult responsibilities either. It’s a stage of in-betweens, full of growth spurts and growing confusion.

The Age of Constant Doing

We’re raising our teens in a world that refuses to slow down. Social media constantly reminds them (and us): Be more. Do more. Post more. You scroll through one reel and suddenly feel behind in life because someone your age has already launched a business, written a book, or is traveling the world.

This hustle culture is no longer reserved for adults—it’s seeped into childhood. Our kids feel like they must always be doing something. Rest is seen as laziness, and boredom is treated like a disease.

But here’s the truth: boredom isn’t bad. It’s necessary.

Let Them Be Bored

Boredom is the breeding ground of imagination. It’s the quiet space where creativity takes root. When there’s nothing to do, the mind finally has a chance to wander, reflect, and dream.

I know there are summer camps and skill-building programs everywhere. They’re great. But personally, I want my kids to pause this summer.

I want them to wake up slowly, without the pressure of a plan.
To sit in a park and watch the sunlight without a phone in hand.
To get bored enough to clean their rooms—or better, declutter their minds.
To play carrom with their siblings, help grandma in the terrace kitchen, or read a book from start to finish just because they want to.

Let Them Grow Slowly

In nature, no creature is rushed.
Birds aren’t forced to fly before their wings are strong.
Baby elephants aren’t pushed to stomp with strength before their time.
Fish aren’t made to swim faster than their instinct allows.

So why are we forcing our children to achieve so quickly?

From early walking and talking to excelling in school, music, sports, and public speaking, it’s like every moment of their lives must be productive. Every step must be impressive. But growth takes time.

And just like mangoes, rushing the process ruins the flavor.

The Mango Metaphor

Have you tasted those early mangoes that flood the market in March? They look perfect, but something’s missing—sweetness, fragrance, flavor. They’ve been rushed to ripen, and it shows.

But come May, when the sun has had its time and the mango trees have done their slow, quiet work—that’s when the true mangoes arrive. Juicy, rich, and unforgettable.

That’s what I want for my children.

Don’t rush their journey. Don’t compare their pace. Don’t force them to ripen before their time.

This Summer, Let’s Choose Slow

Let this summer be different. Let it be slower. Let it be quieter.

Let your teens:

• Sleep in without guilt.
• Watch the clouds float by.
• Declutter their space—and their minds.
• Sit on the terrace with their grandparents.
• Read without being told to.
• Bake not for Instagram, but for fun.
• Do nothing—and enjoy it.

Because the greatest gift you can give them this summer is time.
Time to reflect. Time to grow. Time to ripen at their own pace.

So yes, let’s go easy. Let them be like mangoes—patiently ripening in the warm sun. Because when the time is right, their true sweetness will shine.

Wishing you a summer full of laughter, laziness, love—and lots of mangoes! 🥭