Tips For the “Mom I’m Bored” Blues
Your children may already be on Spring Break or getting ready to start their break soon, not to mention summer is also fast approaching. You know the words are going to come out their mouths. It’s one of these phrases that you know you’ll hear at some point in the week and for some children its daily. Like my nephew he’s always BORED! I bet you’re nodding your head or laughing because you know you’ve heard it as well – “Mom I’m Bored” or “I’m Bored”. I know you have because we have all perfected our “When I Was Growing Up” stories. You know the ones that talks about how we didn’t have cable, or expensive video games, internet and tablets. I know I’ve said it to my kids. All my sibling have told their children those stories as well. One of my nephews hears it the most – “When we were little we would just go outside and play and climb trees, visit the pitch lake and pick cashews or mangoes from the trees.” To him it’s just junk that goes in one ear and out the other. If you ever end up When you end up in this position again here’s some tips to offer your children, nieces or nephews, whatever kind of child in your life a way to help with those I’m Bored Blues.
- Go out and try/practice a sport. There are so many options for playing sports you’re sure to find something that works for your child. They can pick up the major sports like Football, Basketball, Soccer, or Baseball/Softball. In our house we have four or five different footballs. My husband played in college, his father also played in college and briefly in the pros. Since it’s in his blood he wants our sons to pick up the sport as well. Whenever we get the chance and the weather is nice we go out and toss the football. Maybe there’s a basketball court near by or a batting cage, but sports are a great way to get active and kill boredom.
- Call someone on the phone. It’s a simple task but taking the time to chat with someone else and catch up can help take their mind off themselves and on the other person.
- Cooking/Baking. If you’re up to the task ask your child to maybe help you with dinner or they could just make a side dish. Same thing for baking. I love to bake and when I start my kids are always excited and want to help so I usually make them put the cupcake liners in the pan, or scoop cookies, anything to get them to assist.
- Reading a book is also a great way to engage a child and encourage their imagination as well.
- Crafts are also another great way to engage children. IF you’re like me and you’re not crafty then check out my reviews of some great subscriptions boxes. Giggle Box, Green Kids Crafts and Create Abilities for Kids.
- Go hiking, biking, skateboarding, or anything to get you active and moving around.
- Take a swim, if it’s possible some time in the pool or a cool lake is a great way to get active and kick boring to the curb.
- Play games even if it’s a video game. As parents we spend so much on video games and when our children decide they are bored they seem to not want to be bothered with the game. Get full use of the game but in moderation as well.
- Practice playing an instrument. If your child has always wanted to get started with music school breaks are a good way to get started.
- Join a local club or start one of your own. When I was a teenager I started a group to help in our neighborhood. We would help the elderly clean their yards, take out trash, we even collected donations of clothes and food for a shelter.
- Make cards and drop them off at an Senior Living Center. Another thing we did in the group I started was make handmade cards for seniors living in Assisted Living centers. You will be surprised how much people appreciate things like that.
- Find a hobby. Having a hobby can keep you busy for hours on end once you start.
- Become a collector. Having collections are also another hobby/activity that can keep you busy for a long them because there are usually always things to add to your growing collection.
- Visit the library. Lots of local library’s have programs running year round to keep you busy. You could also visit a local community center to see if they have any activities for kids.
- Take a nap. LOL. I know funny right but I bet if you tell your child to take a nap the next time they mention they are bored they’ll find something to do themselves just to not bother you any more.
There are endless things to do when you are bored and even if it’s the age-old go outside and play, any suggestion works to show your children there is more stuff to do than they think. What about you what are some tips you would suggest to parents for when their children bored?
