Boredom is not necessarily something to avoid. Research shows that it can promote creativity and independent thinking in young people. Experts recommend helping children choose from a list of enjoyable activities instead of automatically using screens to fill free time.
The My Boredom-Buster List worksheet helps clients create a personalized list of activities to turn to whenever they have free time. Ideas can be organized into categories such as crafts, movement, imaginative play, or even quiet-time. Clients can record up to 24 boredom-busting activities.
Having this worksheet available encourages kids and teens to solve the problem of boredom independently. Caring adults can further support this process by brainstorming activity ideas together.
Reframe boredom as a chance to explore new interests so they can feel more motivated to use the worksheet.
This worksheet pairs nicely with our 101 Things To Do When You’re Bored and our What Kind Of Bored Am I? worksheet.
References:
- Miller, G. (2024, November 13). The benefits of boredom. Child Mind Institute. https://childmind.org/article/the-benefits-of-boredom/
- Hurt, A. (2024, July 29). Boredom can actually help people reach their creative potential. Here’s how. Science. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/creativity-mental-benefits-boredom
