When Kids Are Bored

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Hearing kids say "Mom, I'm bored" might be the most annoying phrase of all time. In this episode of the Become a Calm Mama podcast, I’m sharing what to do (and what not to do) when kids are bored.

What do you usually say after your kid says “I’m bored”? 

I’m guessing you offer a bunch of suggestions and say "Why don't you do [blank]?"

Of course, your kid rejects them...and the cycle of them complaining, you problem solving and them not liking your ideas continues until you get mad and cut them off or just give in to screen time.

If this happens to you, you are not alone in this struggle. 

The good news?  Boredom is temporary, and it can even be a good thing! 

Benefits of Boredom

Boredom is simply a gap between activities, but it feels super UNCOMFORTABLE for your kid.

This gap (which I call the boredom gap) is also where your child's growth happens.

Among other things, boredom:

• Encourages imagination and creativity
• Boredom teaches 'grit'
• Boredom develops problem-solving skills

Your job is not to solve the problem for them, but to support them as they figure it out on their own.

A Word About Screen Time

Let’s face it: Screens are super entertaining.

It's a really easy way to satisfy the brain's need for fun, novelty, connection and distraction - and get rid of that uncomfortable bored feeling.

Screens by themselves are not a problem. The problem is our reliance on technology for stimulation, entertainment and quick-hits. 

It’s hard for kids to shift away from easy entertainment, and they will resist your limits.

But there are ways you can help re-train their brains to move through the screen cravings and relentless protest to creative exploration - more quickly and easily. 

You’ll Learn:

• Why boredom is actually important for your child’s development
• What your job is when your kid is bored
• How to handle “the boredom gap”
• How to deal with your kid’s resistance to screen time limits

Connect With Me:

• Follow me on Instagram @darlynnchildress or Facebook @calmmamacoaching 
• Learn more about working with Darlynn
• Book a call

Summer is when you see the MOST boredom gaps. 

In the “Plan a Summer With Kids You Actually Enjoy” workshop, I will teach you exactly how to set up your summer days so they include screen free breaks and specific strategies to deal with the boredom gap.

It’s LIVE May 31-June 2 at 9am PST and there will be replays available. You’ll also get the Plan Your Summer toolkit that is jam packed with scripts, schedules and ideas to create a summer that you actually enjoy.