by Stacey Schifferdecker
Do you ever wonder why kids long so for breaks from school, when after only a day or so you start to hear those dreaded whiny words: “I’m bo-o-o-o-red!” Notwithstanding a neighborhood full of friends; a room full of toys, books, games, and puzzles; a backyard full of swing sets, basketball hoops, and trampolines—our kids get bored. And you know what? Let them. Let them get bored, and let them figure out how to deal with the boredom.
I love the definition for [tag-tec]boredom[/tag-tec] you’ll find at Firestop Terminology (although I don’t know why it’s on this site along with technical terms such as ampacity derating and through penetration). Anyhow, this site defines boredom as “A chosen state of mind brought on by [tag-ice]laziness[/tag-ice] and the firm belief that others are in charge of the supposedly afflicted person’s own entertainment.” What a great definition! Let’s break it down into its parts:
Chosen state of mind
Do your kids really have nothing to do when they come to you claiming boredom? Doubtful—so they are choosing boredom over all the other activities available to them.
Brought on by laziness
It’s easier to whine about being bored than to get up and find something to do.
And the firm belief that others are in charge of the supposedly afflicted person’s own entertainment
“Maybe if I say I’m bored,” our kids must reason, “my mother will bring me a fascinating new toy or take me someplace cool.” After all, that’s one of our jobs as parents, right?
Wrong! When it comes to boredom, our job isn’t to rescue our children from boredom or even to make sure they never, ever have a chance to become bored. Many parenting experts believe boredom is actually good for our kids because it encourages creative thinking. So instead of jumping into the car and heading to the mall or the park the second boredom strikes, step back and give your kids a chance to think of their own solutions.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you can’t help out a little. In fact, once your kids come up with a great idea, you will probably have to help, so be prepared to step up, get involved, and have fun together. As much as possible, support the idea they come up with. If they want to have a lemonade stand, help them make some lemonade. If they want to wash the car, pull out some rags.
Sometimes it also helps to subtly reminisce about how much fun you had as a kid building tents out of sheets or putting on plays. And be sure to keep plenty of craft supplies on hand. Glue, crayons, and glitter are great for the younger set, and even my non-crafty boys can while away hours with a pack of origami paper or Model Magic.
If all else fails, suggest an extra chore for the [tag-self]kids[/tag-self] to do. At my house, this always vanquishes boredom—not because the kids do the chore, but because they are always able to quickly think of something better to do!
What should parents do when kids say they are bored?
Table of Contents
The article suggests pausing before rushing in with entertainment. Boredom can give kids room to think creatively, choose an activity, and discover that they can help shape their own free time.
Is boredom good for kids?
It can be, when parents use it gently. The article frames boredom as a chance for children to practice creativity and initiative instead of always waiting for someone else to entertain them.
How can parents help bored kids without rescuing them?
Offer support after the child comes up with an idea. If they want to build, create, wash the car, make lemonade, or put on a play, a parent can help with supplies and encouragement without taking over.
What activities help kids beat boredom at home?
The article mentions sheet tents, plays, crafts, origami paper, Model Magic, car washing, and other simple hands-on ideas. Keeping basic craft supplies nearby can make it easier for kids to get started.
Stacey Schifferdecker is the happy but harried mother of three school-aged children—two boys and a girl. She is also a freelance writer, a Children’s Minister, a PTA volunteer, and a Scout leader. Stacey has a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and French and a Master’s degree in English. She has written extensively about parenting and education as well as business, technology, travel, and hobbies.
If boredom encourages creative thinking, then my child should be the most creative person on Earth! It drives me crazy when she complains. At least now I know it’s healthy for her! LOL!
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Hmmm, I really love the idea of offereing a chore for boredom, sounds like a sure cure to me! :O) Here from the CFL.
D’you know, I like this. It reminds me of one of Haim Ginott’s quotes (one of my favourites): we could offer one or two suggestions then, “Don’t just do something, stand there.”
Great entry, Stacey, and some good thoughts.
I think it is a good idea to encourage kids to find their own cure for boredom, be creative. I am sure giving them a few chores to do wouldn’t hurt either.
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Such great advice, and I agree 100%!! Miracles happen when I try to assign new chores with my kids: they find something else to do! Here via Carnival of Family Life.
We have not heard our kids say that in more than 3 years. It was right about that time that we banned the word, and the common phrase it is used in that you mention above. The penalty for saying it was $1.00 to be paid immediately by the offending child right into dad’s wallet. It stopped almost immediately. I only made $3.00 the first week, and not a dime since.
DigitalRich
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