“I’m Bored!” Things to Do When Bored at Home for Kids – Five Important Tips
Are you tired of hearing the phrase “I’m bored” too often? As the summer holiday is in full swing, you’ve likely heard your kids say, "I’m bored," more times than you can count. This can evoke a range of emotions from guilt and irritation to anxiety and dread. But rest assured, this isn’t a reflection of your parenting; it’s a natural response to the change in routine that summer brings. If you’re a parent wondering what to do when your kids are bored, read this blog to the end. I’ll walk you through five important things to do when bored for kids—without you being the center of their entertainment.
Read on to find out 5 important things about boredom!
What to Do When Bored at Home for Kids?
How do you handle it when a kid says, “I’m bored?”
Hearing the words “I’m bored” from kids repeatedly can evoke all sorts of feelings as a parent. However, instead of reacting, it’s important to acknowledge their feelings and help them understand that boredom is a natural part of life. You don’t need to feel guilty that you’re not doing enough with them, or feel irritated that they should get busy on their own, or have anxiety and dread about how to get through summer. No, you don’t need any of these feelings. This blog will share five important things you need to know about boredom so that you can relax and enjoy summer together. So, here are 5 things for you to know about boredom so you can relax and enjoy your summer together!
Things to Do When Bored at Home for Kids: Understanding Boredom
Boredom is good!
YES! You read that right!
It’s likely that your child has had an action packed school year and a busy schedule for the last 10 months. The summer is a time for them to finally slow down and rest. However, if they are used to having an action packed day, this may feel strange at first and will take some getting used to!
The first step in dealing with kids being bored is understanding that boredom is good. Yes, you read that right! Boredom arises from a switch in activities. During the busy 10-month school year, your kids have adapted to a packed schedule. The summer break, with its slower pace, feels strange because it involves a significant change in routine and environment. During the school year, they leave home daily, meet classmates and friends, and experience different environments. But in the summer, they’re confined to home, which can lead to feelings of boredom due to the reduction in stimulation and movement.
As a parent, understand that boredom is a sign your child is unwinding. During this period, one of the most important things you can do is support them by acknowledging what they’re going through. It’s normal for them to feel unsettled without a packed schedule, but this downtime is essential for their mental and emotional health.
As a parent, you are a guide to your kids, helping them navigate life’s challenges. This includes boredom. If you ever feel the urge to ‘fix’ your child’s boredom, take a deep breath and remember that it’s not your job to entertain them. Boredom benefits your child in many ways—from allowing them to unwind and daydream to sparking creativity and inspiration.
When your child tells you they’re bored, acknowledge it. You might say, “Ah, you’re feeling bored; it feels like there’s nothing to do. I see.” Then, offer them the opportunity to solve their own problem: “I wonder what you will come up with?” This response sets the tone for your child, encouraging them to explore their creativity and figure out how to spend their time.
When your child gets bored and you guide them towards figuring it out for themselves, you are communicating to them they you think they are capable. Although they may complain at first, most kids love to be given a sense of autonomy and be trusted to come up with a plan without the help of an adult.
In this way, boredom has been linked to resilience building, problem solving and the establishment of ‘grit’ in a variety of research. The fact that boredom often gives way the to best new inventions and creative ideas further consolidates this for the child- helping them to realise their abilities and internalise a sense of positive self-esteem.
But how?
In addition to the skills it builds, boredom also helps strengthen relationships. Boredom encourages children to engage in various activities that develop their play skills, which are directly linked to social skills. For instance, research on doll play shows that children build their capacity for empathy and perspective through this type of play. Similarly, role play allows children to ‘practice’ real-life skills like communication and negotiation, which can be translated into real-life interactions.
Boredom may also prompt children to seek out a sibling or friend to play with, fostering collaboration and cooperation skills that are crucial in building strong, healthy relationships.
Boredom skills?
Yes, boredom is a skill—and it’s one of the most valuable skills your child can master, as it prepares them for real-life challenges. While boredom may seem like a natural state, it can be difficult for some kids, especially younger ones. As a parent, you can help build their boredom skills by providing minor suggestions as a guide. For example, if your child is struggling to come up with new ideas, remind them of how great their past ideas have been. Show interest in the things they create, and encourage them to write down their ideas on a ‘boredom menu’ or put them in a ‘boredom box’ so they can revisit them in the future.
Conclusion
Boredom is a powerful tool for building real-life skills in kids. It fosters creative thinking, role-playing, communication, and collaboration—skills that are essential in everyday life. The next time your child says they’re bored, remember that it’s an opportunity for them to grow and learn. Embrace the boredom, guide them when necessary, and watch them develop skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.
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Hayley