I’d forgotten what it was like to hear the words “Mum, I’m bored”, until my 19 year old was home sick, last week. Once he started getting better (but still had a nasty cough), he kept complaining about how bored he was. He reckoned he was flipping between 6 different shows on Netflix, just because he was bored. I gave him a couple of suggestions, such as, reading a book or playing a game with me. He didn’t like those ideas, so I left him to it.
Over the next few hours and days I “caught” him practicing guitar, playing piano, going outside unprompted, riding his unicycle, chasing a poor lizard, going for a swim, making himself mug cakes and he even chatted with his sister for over an hour!
So I would say “Let them be bored”, whether they are 9 or 19!
Let Them Be Bored
putting on a show 
still putting on a show 
milk bottle people
This reminded me of when my children were younger and we would limit the amount of time they could watch tv. Often when they were bored they played together the best. From making cubbies under the house, to making things, to rearranging their bedrooms, to preparing shows for us to watch, to making fake cuts on their knees!
In these days when your kids are going to be at home with you much more, due to COVID-19, don’t think that you have to structure every minute of the day. When they come to you saying “Mum, I’m bored”, let them be bored. Offer some suggestions but leave them to it, as long as their not hurting each other or the house.
Another idea is to suggest housework that they can do, such as cleaning windows or sweeping floors. Generally they’ll find something to do pretty quick. Or if they do the suggested housework then that’s a bonus for you.
Routine and Space
Children still need routine but with enough flexibility that they have time to be bored. A routine doesn’t have to be set times for set things but more a rough structure of breakfast, chores, some school work, lunch, quiet time in own rooms, free time, dinner, family time, story, bed. There’s more food involved in the daily routine but you get the idea.
Any time that children are bored may mean that they come up with something creative to do. They’ll be using their imagination. Constructive Boredom helps with child development.
So make sure that you routine has some free time, including some screen free time. This way children can start to create or work on things that they otherwise wouldn’t do.
Using What You Have on Hand
My daughter reminded me of the “useful box”. Our recycling bin in the kitchen (which used to be an old laundry hamper) was dubbed the “useful box”. Yes, they were often allowed to watch playschool. My children would use the recycling rubbish to make all sorts of creations. We also had a plentiful supply of scrap paper and coloured pencils. I was into scrapbooking and cardmaking. Therefore they could use some of my materials as well.
When you can’t go out and get craft materials or other supplies, so easily at the moment, think about what you have on hand? Let your children create with recycling rubbish, old boxes, any craft materials that you do have around, scraps of material, old jewelry etc. Can they make a cubby with blankets and pillows under a table or with chairs joined together?
Another idea is to rotate their toys so that they don’t get bored with what they’ve got. Every few days or each week put some toys away and get some new ones out.
It’s fine to help children find activities to occupy them. Such as card games or even activities they used to do when they were younger. I’m seeing plenty of ideas being shared on social media at the moment. Such as different ideas for scavenger hunts or activities for under $10. But don’t be afraid to hear “Mum, I’m bored”.
Let them be bored whether they are 9 or 19 or whatever age!
What have your kids done to occupy themselves when you’ve allowed them to be bored?