There are few things more frustrating to a parent than hearing a child say, “I’m bored!” Perhaps it’s because they know that there’s an entire room full of toys just waiting to play with. Maybe they are looking to us for help.
What can parents and caregivers do to prevent their children from being bored for long periods? Experts shared their ideas on how to get kids active and combat boredom.
Know that boredom can be good for children.
Experts agree that today’s children are overstimulated. They recommend that parents and caregivers see bored kids as a positive opportunity rather than a burden. Heidi McBain is a family and child play therapist. She says that boredom for children is important because it increases creativity and helps to grow them in many ways.
McBain says that when a child gets bored, they learn to make entertainment and fun. “They must explore their own world. “They need to explore their world.
When children are forced to find their entertainment, they can look inward and discover their passions and interests.
Ari Yares is a licensed psychologist, parenting coach, and parenting expert. He suggests that kids who claim to be bored are often looking for adult or parental engagement.
Yares says, “It is important to remember that when a child tells you that they’re bored, it doesn’t mean they’ve run out of things to do.” It means that the things they are looking at in front of themselves are not stimulating. This could also mean that the child needs some adult attention.
It may only take a few minutes of cuddling on the couch to recharge a child’s batteries and reset their mind.
Create a “Boredom jar.”
You can beat boredom by creating a ” Bored Jar ” full of ideas for fun activities, such as the one found in Kitchen Counter Chronicles. Together, make a list of the things that your child enjoys doing. Each item should be written on a piece of paper, and all the documents should be placed in the Jar. Next time your kids are bored, let them choose a report from the “Boredom jar” and work on their idea.
Ideas to keep active children out of boredom
Enjoy a sport outdoorsIt’s a great idea that is so simple, but kids need someone to explain it. This idea can be used to make a list of different items. Basketball, wiffleball, soccer, or football are all options.
Car wash
This idea is perfect for kids who love to feel accomplished and grown up. You also get a clean car as a bonus.
Take a bike ride.
You can let your child ride their bike around the neighborhood or up and down your driveway. Older children with more freedom might run into friends from the area along the way.
Watch “Mindful Movement” videos.
Apps such as GoNoodle have a variety of videos designed to help kids release their pent-up energy while also learning. GoNoodle is a familiar app for kids from school. Parents can create a family profile so their children can access it whenever they want to beat boredom.
Hide and seek
This is an oldie but a goodie. It can be played indoors or outdoors by families with younger siblings. Set parameters on how far the players can travel to find a hidden spot if they’re playing outside.
Build a fort
Children love to make blankets and forts. This cute example from Hailey Womack is a good idea for days in the summer or winter when everyone’s stuck indoors. Use pillows, blankets, and other items to make their fort. Bring in some tales and a flashlight to keep them entertained for a long time.
Dance party
Create a playlist with your kids and have them listen to it when they select this option. Once they finish dancing and singing their favorite songs, they won’t be bored anymore!
Create an obstacle course.
You will need to help a bored preschooler or if you have a toddler, but kids of elementary age can make an obstacle course by themselves. The older kids will enjoy creating the obstacle course and be proud to show it off. Are you looking for inspiration? Hands-on as We Grow has a simple yet challenging obstacle course for the backyard.
Re-organize and clean their room.
You may hear some grunts if your child chooses this. Offer to clean the kitchen instead if they don’t seem too excited. Most likely, they will make a beeline to their bedroom. They’ll feel better about the clean room they have at the end of the day. You can also suggest some cool storage ideas.
Take a fitness or yoga class.
Online, there are many yoga and fitness classes for kids of all ages. Create a playlist in advance so it is ready when they select this option. Look at Cosmic Kids or Kids Bop to find child-friendly videos.
Lego Hunt
For this LEGO hunt, you’ll need four sheets of paper as well as an assortment of blocks in colors that match. Then, either hide the Legos in your home or ask older siblings to do so. The kids must find all the Lego pieces and then place them on matching colored papers.
Scavenger hunt
An older sibling can create a hunt that younger siblings will have to complete in the house or outdoors. You’ll need to make the list if you are playing with a young child or an only child.
Ideas to keep kids entertained and creative
Create your own story
Prepare a jar or box of story prompts in advance and let the child choose which one they want to use. Ask them to create a cover image for their story.
Colored chalk is used to create murals on the outside of buildings.
Bring out the big box of colored sand and let your kids go wild on the driveway or sidewalk. You can challenge an elementary schooler to create a drawing that tells you a story and then ask them to narrate the story for you.
Play a part
This activity allows children to create simple plays, depending on their age. They can then use clothing from the house and put in their space when they are ready.
Take the art challenge.
Kids will love the Three Marker Challenge and other art challenges that are available on YouTube. Many channels are dedicated to helping children create their artwork, like Art For Kids Hub. You can give your kids one of these tools to get their creativity flowing. You can also print out 30-day art challenge templates to get some ideas if you don’t want to use electronics.
