This is just a quick idea for helping children find ways to entertain themselves. When their friends are all busy and nothing sounds fun, it’s hard to get kids engaged in an activity. For times like these I created an “I’m Bored” list and taped it inside the cupboard door. The list is based on my children’s current interests and toys. I try to update it every few months to reflect their recent birthday or Christmas presents and/or the season (summer/winter). When my children complain of being bored I refer them to the list for ideas. I encourage them to pick one and try it for at least fifteen minutes. Often their choice from the I’m Bored list leads them to another idea and then another, and their boredom problems are gone! I’ve heard of other moms who cut up the ideas on the list and put them in a jar. This would be fun too, but I prefer a list that the children can look over and see which idea jumps out at them.
I will include my list, but of course yours will be tailored for your children’s needs and interests. Take a moment to write your own I’m Bored! list, and it will save you time in the future.
- Play Legos
- Play Yahtzee!
- Take pictures with your camera
- Do make up
- Put on a dance performance
- Listen to music
- Play Trivial Pursuit
- Play Electronic Battleship
- Play Taboo
- Paint a picture
- Have a tea party
- Look at your white binders (filled with crafts they’ve completed at school and home)
- Play American Girl (new outfits!)
- Draw on your white board
- Play Lite brite
- Go on Starfall
- Go on Tumblebooks
- Call a friend
- Play house
- Color
- Play School
- Do crafts
- Make a treat
- Play dress up
- Play in the princess tent
- Play a card game (UNO, Old Maid, Go Fish, trash can, Mexican poker)
- Read a book
- Sew with your sewing kit
Better Way Parenting 