How to Move Your Kids from Bored to Engaged

Published:
June 22, 2020

Contributor:
Jeannette Tuionetoa

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Moving your kids from bored to engaged while they are stuck at home can depend on your parenting style. I don’t even know if you guys want to hear my opinion on this one. I am pretty old school.

How to Move Your Kids from Bored to Engaged

Firstly, I will confess something and many people may not agree with me.

However, the word “bored” Is not allowed in my home. My kids fully understand that saying they are bored is like a fast track ticket to doing chores. I don’t play that “boring” game at home.

Even when they have friends over, one of the first things I tell them and their parents is that I don’t do “bored” at my house, or their kids will be doing chores. 

Most of the time, under normal circumstances, when kids whine about being bored means to me that they are overstimulated with everything in life.

Most of the time, when I hear kids say they are bored, they are kids that have video games and T.V.s, and their parents go out of their way for them to not be bored.

I just feel like for kids, in this day and age of stimuli at their fingertips, being bored Is not necessarily a bad thing. Kids need to be bored. They need to figure out how to keep themselves entertained.

It is entirely healthy for kids to be bored. Boredom has some benefits.

For some of you who may not wholly agree, here are some benefits of letting kids be bored sometimes.

Boredom improves creativity – There is nothing that would increase your child’s sense of imagination and creativity than forcing them to think up adventures on their own.

Boredom helps a child’s well-being – When kids feel like they always need to be doing something or need to have fun, they are truly missing out on appreciating the little things in life. When children, even adults, slow down and let themselves breathe, they also appreciate the small things in life and are more satisfied with life.

Boredom creates go-getters – When kids aren’t freely given something to fill their time, they are forced to create their own fun, create their own activities, and even explore the world out there.

Boredom allows kids to develop their own personality – Even though we feel like we should be with our kids a lot and spend a good amount of time with them, studies show that quality is more important and that kids need that space to be themselves.

You don’t have to be so intense about kids saying they are bored like I am. I am Puerto Rican; I have no time for that nonsense. However, you can be incredibly more wise and effective that I am.

Although, if you did it my way, you would have some spotless windows and a nice shiny car until they learn not to say “I’m bored” again. Here are better ways:

These are some positive ways to help your kids move from bored to engaged productively.

Give them suggestions without having to help them. It still creates some independence. Suggestions don’t mean you have to do something for them.

Give them some chores. It doesn’t have to be a dreadful chore, but what they call “bored chores.” These shouldn’t be too intense. Bored chores can be things like straightening up the shelves, dusting, weeding, help with food prep, and more.

Make sure you have a book basket handy. Have books available for your kids to grab at a moments’ notice.

Instead of getting mad, ask questions to prompt them to come up with their own ideas to fill their time – What can you do not to be bored? What will be fun for you to do right now?

Use these resources to help you move your kids from bored to engaged:

Suggestions for “I’m Bored” FREE Printable Sign | Mama Cheaps

How to create a “Bored Jar” for young kids (FREE printable activity list) | Playful Notes

The Ultimate No Spend or Low Spend Bored Jar list (FREE List) | Mum in the Madhouse

I’m Bored FREE Bingo Game – Educational Things to Do When Bored | Teach Beside Me

I\'m Bored! Bingo worksheet page

Things to Do When Bored for Kids: FREE Printable | Happy Simple Mom

20 Kids Activity Blogs You Need to Follow | Start a Mom Blog

Boredom Buster FREE Bingo | A Dab of Glue Will Do

Fun Things To Do in Your Driveway

Fun Things to do in Your Driveway text with image of a girl using colored chalk in the driveway

I’m Bored Jar Activities for Tweens – FREE Printable | Kitchen Counter Chronicles

Bored Jar – FREE Summer Printable Day #7 | Moritz Fine Designs

DIY Outdoor Games Perfect for Hot Weather

DIY Outdoor Games Perfect for Hot Weather text with image of a kid reaching for water balloons

So, don’t feel guilty about letting your kiddos be bored. It is awesome for you to help them out at times, but don’t forget the importance of letting them be bored sometimes. It creates innovative, motivated, and independent kids.

How to Move Your Kids from Bored to Engaged