“I’m bored”

Do your children call out “I’m bored” to you multiple times a day?! You’re not alone. And when they do, it’s only common to think “how is that possible you have so many things to keep you entertained?!” while you scratch your brain suggesting ideas of things to do to keep them busy. And sometimes it feels like the easiest option is to put the TV on or hand over the iPad, especially if you’re busy juggling work, cooking dinner, and managing everything else in the household!  

What is a better way to respond? 

First of all, while saying “I’m bored” can be a way for your kids to get your attention, it doesn’t mean you’re not doing a good job as a parent. In a world that’s so structured and full of stimulus, it’s no wonder kids are confused about what to do when they have a bucket load of free time. As parents, what you can do is guide them to be able to solve the mysterious problem of boredom on their own. How? By providing a stimulating environment with lots of opportunities for activity and play.  

Start by brainstorming a bunch of boredom busting activities (that are screen free) with your children. Make it a whole family activity. While you can guide the conversation and prompt ideas, let them come up with the ideas themselves. This will mean they’re more likely to want to do them when the time comes. Plan to do this in advance, while everyone’s in a good mood, so your children have their creative juices flowing rather than leaving it until the next time they are bored.  

Boredom is a great opportunity for kids for activity, creativity and play. Some examples of activities you may like to encourage include making an obstacle course outside, playing down ball or going for a bike ride. It’s also more than okay to include screen free activities of a lower intensity too, like arts and crafts, gardening, a puzzle or musical instrument or even helping out with simple chores around the house (a win for you too!). The more variety the better! Make sure the activities are actually fun, realistic and ones that older children are able to do on their own. 

Once you’ve brainstormed a heap of boredom busting activities put it into practice. Turn your brainstormed activities into something visible and tangible for your family. You might like to hang a boredom busting list on your wall, turn it into a boredom busting lucky dip or create a boredom busting box with all the equipment and toys they need to bust their boredom. Then the next time the kids whine I’m bored you can direct them to their boredom busting list.