Boredom is the uncomfortable feeling of not knowing what to do. Many children complain about being bored when nothing seems interesting. The good news is that there are many age-appropriate ways they can enjoy their time.
The 101 Things To Do When You’re Bored handout offers a wide variety of engaging activities clients can choose from whenever boredom strikes. Ideas include folding origami, sculpting with clay, riding a bike, and many more. Each activity is paired with a simple icon so clients can quickly find an idea that interests them.
Learning different ways to respond to boredom can help kids and teens develop creativity and problem-solving skills. Allow them to explore the handout and choose an activity themselves. Resist the urge to solve your child’s boredom right away so that they can practice thinking independently.
Another helpful tip is to have your child choose a few favorite activities from the handout and create their own personalized “boredom ideas” chart. Keep it somewhere visible at home.
This handout pairs nicely with our My Boredom-Buster List worksheet.
References:
- Anderson, A. J., & Perone, S. (2024). The kids are bored: Trait boredom in early childhood and links to self-regulation, coping strategies, and parent–child interactions. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 243, 105919. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jecp.2024.105919
- Miller, G. (2024, November 13). The benefits of boredom. Child Mind Institute. https://childmind.org/article/the-benefits-of-boredom/
- Mayo Clinic Health System Staff. (2022, September 14). Boost your brain with boredom. Mayo Clinic Health System. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/boost-your-brain-with-boredom
