Why Boredom Can Be a Gift for Your Kids — And What to Do About It

Do your kids often say, “I’m bored!” — and you instantly feel the pressure to entertain them? You’re not alone. Many parents find themselves scrambling for ideas or filling their children’s schedules with camps, sports, and constant activities just to avoid the dreaded boredom complaints.

But what if boredom isn’t something to fear — but something to welcome?

In today’s fast-paced, always-on world, kids are often used to being busy or entertained 24/7. Whether it’s structured activities or screens within arm’s reach, many children have little experience with unstructured time. So when there’s a quiet moment, they’re left unsure of what to do — and they come to you, expecting a fix.

Instead of offering up an endless list of suggestions, what if you shifted your perspective? What if boredom was actually a gateway to creativity?

Embracing Boredom as a Tool for Growth

Free time, especially during school breaks or weekends, is incredibly valuable. It’s during these unscheduled moments that children can tap into their imagination, explore personal interests, and develop problem-solving skills.

Unstructured play helps kids:

• Discover passions they might not encounter in structured activities
  
  
• Learn how to entertain themselves without relying on screens
  
  
• Practice collaboration, empathy, and social awareness when playing with others
  
  

But because so many children are used to being told what to do or being constantly entertained, they may not know how to use their free time productively. That’s where your response becomes crucial.

Flip the Script on “I’m Bored”

Next time your child comes to you saying they’re bored, try responding with enthusiasm:
“That’s great! You’ve got some downtime — it’s a perfect opportunity to come up with something fun on your own.”

You could even turn it into a creative challenge:
“Why not grab a piece of paper and make a few lists — one of fun things to do solo, one for activities with friends, and one for family adventures. How many can you come up with for each?”

This approach does a few powerful things:

• It encourages independent thinking and responsibility
  
  
• It activates the brain’s natural problem-solving processes
  
  
• It turns boredom into a self-directed creative project
  
  

A Personal Example: Turning a Boring Afternoon into a Summer Win

One summer, I tried this with my own daughter. When she came to me “bored” one day, I handed her a poster board and some markers and asked her to make a list of summer activities she was excited about. Not only did it occupy her for the afternoon, but she came up with some truly fun ideas, including a weekly family trip to different local ice cream shops. That simple suggestion became a highlight of our summer and gave her a sense of pride and ownership over our family time.

Final Thoughts: Let Boredom Be a Beginning, Not an End

Boredom isn’t something to solve — it’s something to use. When we resist the urge to fill every moment for our kids, we give them the space to explore, create, and grow. The next time your child says, “I’m bored,” take a breath, smile, and hand them the gift of opportunity.

Want to devise a plan to help you avoid your kids becoming bored?  Click here to grab my Summer Planning Kit for Families.  Use it to create a balanced and calm summer full of fun and connection, and avoid the dreaded “I’m bored!”