We live in an era of overstimulation. Think colour-coded calendars, enrichment classes, and a never-ending carousel of YouTube videos “for kids.” So when your child flops dramatically on the couch and sighs, “I’m bored,” it can feel like you’ve failed at parenting.
But here’s the truth: boredom isn’t the enemy. It’s the birthplace of creativity.
The magic that happens when kids get bored
In that moment of discomfort, curiosity kicks in. Kids will experiment, invent, daydream, and discover who they are without anyone orchestrating it for them.
It’s how an empty cardboard box becomes a spaceship, or how a backyard stick becomes the lead role in a fantasy epic. These quiet, unstructured moments teach persistence, independence, and self-awareness in ways no app or after-school class ever could.
What role can parents play?
The idea is to support children, rather than offer ready-made boredom busters. This means parents should:
- Encourage children to be curious, persistent, playful, interested and confident
- Give them the space, time and opportunity to make a mess (within limits)
- Provide materials they can entertain themselves with, e.g. a cardboard box or a magnifying glass
- Offer inspiration if they're lost for ideas
Screen time isn’t the villain, but it’s not the hero either
Screens can be sanity-saving, we all know that. But when every dull moment is patched over with Netflix or a tablet game, kids lose the ability to self-entertain. Their imagination starts to outsource itself.
So, yes, put on Bluey if you need a break (we all do). Just balance it with pockets of stillness. It's those sacred ten-minute stretches where the world quiets down and creativity has space to breathe.
How can parents help provide boredom solutions?
Instead of parking them in front of a screen, prompt your child's imagination and steer them towards self-play by setting creative challenges. Here are six fun things to do when bored that can be so much fun that parents can suggest to their children when boredom strikes them in their free time:
- Make up a song/dance routine or learn the routine from his/her favourite music videos
- Invent a game, e.g. dinosaur hunting outside or a board game inside
- Write a book or diary, including drawings and/or photos
- Create a backyard obstacle course (if you have outdoor space) or build an inside fort
- Invent a recipe like making his/her own homemade ice cream or sandwich
- Challenge them to learn/find three new things like learning a new language or finding out three new things about a family member.
You could also suggest that your child recreates his/her favourite restaurant meal, or learn an old family recipe and have that at your next dinner party.
What parents should do once children find their own things to do when bored?
Once your child is preoccupied, you can use this as your parent downtime. It's a time to relax and enjoy little pleasures like concocting a great new cocktail recipe and enjoying a glass of it or a great time to be hyper-focused and look into your savings and checking accounts. You can also spend this time doing something for your spouse like writing little love notes and putting them in your significant other's coat pockets or planning your next dinner date.
And on that note, let's help children move through boredom and beyond.
Need a break from the “I’m bored” chorus? Find a childcare centre near you where play, learning and discovery never stop.
FAQs
1. Is it bad if my child says they’re bored all the time?
Not necessarily. Frequent boredom can be a sign they’re craving stimulation or new challenges. Encourage variety: outdoor play, creative projects, or even helping with simple chores can spark engagement.
2. How long should I let my child be bored before stepping in?
Give them around 10–15 minutes to problem-solve or self-entertain before offering light guidance. Over time, they’ll get better at managing boredom independently.
3. Can boredom actually help my child’s brain development?
Yes! Downtime supports creative thinking and helps the brain make new connections. It also builds patience, emotional regulation, and self-motivation.
4. Should I limit screen time when my child is bored?
Screens are fine in moderation, but try to balance them with unstructured play. Boredom-driven activities often lead to more meaningful and imaginative learning.
5. How can I encourage creative play without spending money?
Use what’s already at home: old boxes, paper, cushions, or kitchen utensils can become tools for endless imagination. The best boredom busters are often the simplest ones.
