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
Free Resources:
Get your copy of the Stop Yelling Cheat Sheet at https://www.calmmamacoaching.com/stopyelling.
In this free guide you’ll discover:
✨ A simple tool to stop yelling once you’ve started (This one thing will get you calm.)
✨ 40 things to do instead of yelling. (You only need to pick one!)
✨ Exactly why you yell. (And how to stop yourself from starting.)
✨A script to say to your kids when you yell. (So they don't follow you around!)
Want to connect?
