Like A Mother with Katie McGrady

Being Bored this Summer with Elizabeth Nava

OSV Podcasts

What if the best way to raise a curious, creative, and confident child… is to let them be bored?

This week on Like A Mother, Katie McGrady is joined by Catholic school librarian and mother of two boys, Elizabeth Nava, to talk about parenting through summer break, encouraging a love for reading, and why building a “capacity for boredom” might be the best gift you can give your kids.

They unpack:

  • The joy of summer reading competitions (and Outback Steakhouse gift cards)
  • How to actually get your kids excited to read
  • Why audiobooks and podcasts are secret parenting superpowers
  • Setting healthy screen boundaries without guilt
  • Why boredom fuels imagination, wonder, and resilience

This episode is equal parts nostalgic, practical, and empowering—perfect for moms seeking a more peaceful, purposeful summer at home.

Plus, Katie shares her own story of catching her family in a “summer snapshot” moment, and why it was better than any Instagram photo could’ve been.

An OSV Podcasts original. Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.