When I was growing up, my mom had a saying: “I’m not here to entertain you. If you’re bored, I can definitely find something for you to do.” And let me tell you, those words sent us running for the hills because we all knew it meant chores were coming our way. Now that I’m a parent, I find myself echoing those same words to my own kids, and guess what? They run just like we did.
Listen up, kiddos: I don’t care if you’re bored. I’m not your personal entertainment coordinator. I’m not meant to entertain you, and this summer, you’ll have to figure out how to entertain yourselves.
According to The Economist, parents today engage in twice as much active playtime with their kids compared to fifty years ago. But summer vacation seems to come with the expectation that we should provide sensory bins, kiddie pools, sprinklers, and all sorts of elaborate activities. Not to mention the endless summer camps and sports teams, which create a whirlwind of scheduled fun. It’s as if society expects us to have a detailed agenda for the day, with Mom orchestrating every minute.
There will be camps and packed lunches, all designed to ensure you don’t experience boredom. Because apparently, boredom is the enemy. But I’m here to tell you, that’s just nonsense.
During my childhood, I had a few craft supplies, a bike, a sibling, and the great outdoors. My mom didn’t ignore us; she just didn’t feel the need to entertain us constantly. She had her own life, and we learned to be creative. As LifeHack points out, allowing kids to be bored develops their creativity and inspires them to think outside the box.
When my kids start complaining about being bored after exhausting their usual activities, they often discover new interests. They wander into the yard, read stories to each other, paint, or even create elaborate games. I let them be, and they surprise me with their creativity. It’s a win-win situation.
Unfortunately, it seems I’m in the minority. A recent article in The New York Times noted that many parents today see letting their children experience boredom as a failure of their parenting. Studies show that parents believe children should always have structured activities, and if they ask for attention, parents should drop everything to entertain them. But I disagree.
Boredom teaches kids to take initiative and create their own fun. By having unstructured time, they can discover new passions—whether that’s building forts, climbing trees, or simply observing nature. Boredom can spark imagination, which in turn fosters creativity and passion. So yes, my kids are going to have a summer filled with boredom.
But what happens when the whining sets in? What if your child is relentless in saying “I’m bored”? Researchers suggest several strategies to combat that. Consider sitting down with your child to create a list of activities they enjoy or want to try. This way, when boredom strikes, they can refer to their list. Aha! Parenting also recommends a “boredom-busting jar” filled with ideas for activities.
Setting up designated play areas, whether inside or outside, can also help. Kids rarely complain about being bored outdoors; there’s always something to do, like finding sticks or stacking pine cones. Most experts advise limiting screen time, as it can lead to an expectation for constant stimulation. The more they watch, the more they seem to whine about boredom. I’ve found that when screen time is minimized, my kids hardly ever say they’re bored.
So, kiddos, brace yourselves for a summer filled with minimal scheduling and plenty of free time. Dig holes, catch toads, color, or just get creative! Just don’t come to me complaining about boredom, or I’ll suggest you clean your room. I’m not here to entertain you, remember?
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In summary, empowering children to handle boredom can spark their creativity and help them discover their passions. As parents, we can support their growth by allowing unstructured playtime and encouraging exploration.