How to help kids when they’re bored

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Have you ever heard the saying that only dull people get bored? I’m not sure if I agree with that, but I have been hearing my kids say they are bored a lot lately and it drives me crazy.  How can they be bored with all their toys and friends?

How to help kids when they’re bored

Electronics are such a big part of our lives now that our kids are accustomed to constant stimulation.  When they don’t have that, they don’t know what to do with themselves.  One of our rules is that we don’t watch the DVD player in our van unless we are traveling at least an hour, but lately my daughter can’t even stand going down the road to the grocery store without saying she’s bored.

We need to start teaching our kids that there is never a reason to be bored.  There is always something you can do, even in the car.  Just because there isn’t something on TV doesn’t mean they can’t find something else to do.  Just because the neighborhood kids aren’t out, doesn’t mean that they can complain about it.  We need to teach them that they need to make the most of a situation.  If the neighbors aren’t home, then go in the woods and build a fort.  They don’t need anyone else to entertain them.

We are working on a few things at our house.  I have started limiting electronics at restaurants.  We want the kids to be able to sit there and talk instead of having their faces buried in a phone.  Of course, there are exceptions, like when you may be out with a group of friends and talking for a long time, then the kids might need something because they have been sitting there a long time.

We are trying to teach our kids patience.  Sometimes I need it too! 🙂

I always try to make suggestions:

• read
• do homework (They love that one.)
• brain teasers
• board games
• bike ride
• skateboard
• Take a shower or bath
• Bake cookies- This is the best recipe EVER!
• Walk around the block
• YouTube- Learn to draw-  This is one of our favorites!

The list goes on and on.  You know what your child likes to do and what toys they have.  Sometimes they need a little push to get started!

Parents, let’s work together to stop the “I’m bored!” habit.

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