Do the words, “I’m bored” have you pulling your hair out? Depending on where in the world you are, maybe it’s summer and kids are out of school so those dreaded words may be heard more often. You may be thinking how can they be bored? There are so many toys in the house and so many activities they can do but the problem isn’t because they don’t have toys to play with or activities they can do. These days more then ever kids are overstimulated and over scheduled. From the myriad of activities they are enrolled in to the devices they have access to. What if we thought of those dreaded words “I’m bored” as an opportunity? Boredom actually helps our kids learn and grow and there are so many benefits.

My Top 5 Benefits of Boredom

1. Helps child learn about themselves

   • When we don’t jump in to solve the boredom problem for them or put on a screen they actually have an opportunity to think about what they would like to do with their time and learn what interests them, thinking about “What do I want to do?” “What can I figure out on my own?”

2. Helps child develop self-motivation

   • If we resist the urge to jump in and solve the boredom problem for them, they have a chance to think about what brings them joy. What would they choose to do.

3. Builds problem solving skills

   • Letting a child figure out what to do with their free time also helps them develop problem solving skills which is such a valuable skill in life.

4. Child gets comfortable with discomfort

   • Being bored might feel uncomfortable to your child which is why they are looking for someone else to tell them what to do so they can end the discomfort. But if we encourage them to solve their own problem and sit in the discomfort they learn that it’s ok to be bored. The uncomfortable feeling will pass. This develops resiliency in uncomfortable moments.

5. Creativity Blossoms

   • Both you and your child may be amazed at what they come up with.

Sometimes the “I’m bored” could mean your child is seeking some adult attention. If you know that you haven’t spent some time being fully present with them in a little while then that could be the need beneath the statement. If that is the case just a few minutes of cuddles on the coach will help. If they are still bored after some 1:1 time then I love using the question from Dr. Becky, “I’m so excited to see what you come up with!”

If kids are home more and you want to have some proactive solutions ready for the “I’m bored” statement you can also work on an “I’m bored” jar together. Write down ideas of pieces of paper with your child and put them in a jar. When they come to you and say, “I’m bored” you can direct them to pick something out of the jar.

Some ideas to get you started, inspired by my boys:

1. Lego building challenge - make the tallest tower you can, build a car, dinosaur. You get the idea

2. Make a fort - don’t worry about the living room being a mess. Get some blankets, flashlights and books and away they go.

3. Dance party - let them play DJ and get their groove on

4. Build a puzzle

5. Reading - younger kids can look at picture books

Here’s to the wonder and benefits of boredom!