Parents can struggle to know what to do when kids complain of boredom. They may expect us to fill that time and become frustrated when we don’t. But allowing them to learn to manage their boredom will be healthy for their growing minds. It will also teach them self-sufficiency.
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Encourage Digital De-Bore
Sometimes kids complain of boredom because they’re not used to being unstructured and don’t know what to do without the assistance of a video game or other screen time. But being bored is good for children because it forces them to think and teaches them to be creative. But letting kids be bored can also lead to much analysis paralysis when they’re overwhelmed by the choices and don’t do anything. Teach them to hone their problem-solving skills by encouraging them to choose an activity and stick with it, whether painting, practicing their sports skills, or simply playing a daily crossword puzzle.
To help them find fun and interesting activities, sit down with your kids to devise a list of things they like to do. Put these on slips of paper and place them in a jar, so when kids complain they’re bored, you can tell them to pick one of the activities on the list. Alternatively, you can also set up a designated space outside with toys, games and activities they can do independently or with friends. You can even put out a book of “boredom ideas” that are free or inexpensive and only require household items, like a sheet of chalk or a box of bubbles.
Encourage Creativity
Encourage creativity through open-ended play. It could include re-enacting favorite stories, collaging with found objects, or creating a pretend game. For older kids, writing a story can be an excellent creative outlet. Please give them the freedom to work at their own pace and check in on them before they run out of ideas or become bored. Help them develop their creative thinking skills by giving them the space to think outside the box. It’s important to recognize that it can be coded for something else when kids say they’re bored. They may be hungry, seeking attention or looking for someone to play with them. Getting them to focus on brain-stimulating activities that require creative thought can improve their mood and make them less likely to complain about boredom.
Teach Independence
Kids who can navigate boredom independently will learn to think through problems, make choices and deal with the consequences. And that’s exactly the kind of independence we want them to develop. But sometimes, it takes work to encourage independent play or find things for your kids to do independently. The easiest way to get ahead of the boredom complaints is to sit down with your children and brainstorm short-term activities and fun-sounding challenges or longer-term projects that they might enjoy. It can include everything from art projects to playing outside, cooking dinner, and reorganizing their room. Then hang a list of those activities somewhere they can see it — like on the refrigerator or in their bedroom. It is a great opportunity to help your kids practice their organizational skills and planning strategies. And it teaches them that the world is full of possibilities beyond video games or YouTube videos. A positive kind of boredom can also encourage creative thinking and foster self-reliance. It can be a valuable learning experience and lead to new interests and passions. So, please don’t take the bait next time your kids say they’re bored. Please encourage them to pick one of the options from our toolkit and dig into their creativity!
Encourage Your Presence
One of the most important things we can teach our kids is to be present for them without interfering or taking over. Video games, tablets and even YouTube videos are easy attention grabbers, but they don’t teach critical thinking or help develop fine-tuned motor skills. They may be fun for a little while but quickly become dull. The best way to beat boredom is by encouraging our kids to find ways to entertain themselves. It helps them learn to value alone time and also gives them practice figuring out how to narrow down their options. It’s a life skill they’ll need as adults, so it’s worth the patience required to allow them to get bored. Have them list what they like to do and put it in their “boredom jar.” They can pull a slip out of the jar and decide what to do when bored. If they still can’t decide, encourage them to use the process of elimination. By listing the things they don’t want to do, they can focus on the ones they do. Often, children’s boredom is a way to communicate their needs or desire for attention. You can help them recognize what they need instead of a short-term solution to boredom by talking with them and letting them know you are available.
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