9 Ways to Handle Your Bored Kids

Have Bored Kids? Fellow Mamas Give Their Advice…

My kids (ages 6 and 8) were complaining that they were bored their first week home on summer break.  I never remembered them using the term before.  I don’t want to micromanage them or over-schedule their summer.  But I do want to nip this boredom business in the bud before it becomes habit.  I thought I’d check with my fellow blogging mamas to see how they handle bored kids.  Here’s what they had to share…

9 Ways to Handle Your Bored Kids [From the Mouths of Moms]

1. Acknowledge their Feelings
“Sometimes children can experience feelings of anxiety, frustration, restlessness and upset from the uncertainty that comes with being ‘bored’. At these times, it can be helpful to just sit with them, acknowledge their difficulty and quietly follow their lead. It might simply involve waiting with them or even sympathizing: “Sometimes it’s hard to decide what to do next, isn’t it?”… “Hmmm…” …And then waiting a little longer with them.” Anna of Kids Play Space

2. Offer Lose Parts to Inspire Play
“Our first step is sending them outside if they say they have nothing to do. The next step is offering a selection of loose part materials often in a bucket or container without any direction. The kids are usually inspired by this new material (water and cups, building blocks and fabric, velcro and yarn) that they come up with their own ideas on what to do.” Amanda of The Educators’ Spin On It

3. Make a Bored Jar
“I think children need to learn how to deal with their own boredom without picking up electronics! This is why I started with the bored jar. If the kids say I am bored then they pick something out. It could be a chore, it could be something to do on their own, or [it could be] a family activity. We started the jars 4 years ago and even though I still make them and update them, they tend not to use them anymore. They come up with their own ideas instead.” Jen of Mum in the Madhouse

4. Offer a Chore
“I offer a chore in response to [the] ‘I am bored’ complaint. It’s amazing how quickly my eight year old finds something to do then!” Natalie of Planet Smarty Pants

5. Give Alone Time from a Young Age
“From a very young age start them in their playpen, then their room, with playing on their own for a time. My daughter, now almost two, plays in her room quietly (or loudly depending on her game) for an hour each morning. I either take out all her stuffed animals, or her legos, or her blocks – but only a few toys at a time, mind you – and let her have at it. Some days she doesn’t want me to leave her there but as soon as I close the door I hear her talking to herself.” Rachel of A Mother Far From Home

6. Encourage Creativity
“Whenever my daughter tells me she’s board I tell her, ‘That’s the perfect time to go find something to do!’, or ‘Wonderful! That’s the best time to get creative.'” Nell of Rhythms of Play

7. Consider it a Learning Opportunity
“I do not find something for my son to do if he is bored. I do not believe that boredom needs to be ‘fixed’. Being bored usually leads to wonderful learning opportunities.” Sheila of Brain Power Boy

8. Act Busy
“My daughter seems to do best finding something to do on her own if I’m suddenly very busy and can’t do anything with her. (‘Oh, I need to finish these dishes…I’m sure you can find something fun to do!’)” Emma of P is for Preschooler

9. Tell Them “That’s Life!”
“I’m hard core when my boys tell me they’re bored. I tell them – that’s just a part of daily life. After they’re done rolling their eyes at me, they usually find something to keep themselves engaged… even if we’re just standing in line at the store. Not giving in to the moment they say they’re bored is key. It’s important to feel comfortable with being bored and figuring out what to do about it.” Jennifer of The Jenny Evolution

What would you add?  What are your best tips for how to handle bored kids?  Join the conversation in the comments below!

Ideas for Bored Kids from B-Inspired Mama:

    

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