I'M BORED!

Save this list for the next time.

Two words.

Every parent knows them.

“I'm bored.”

And somehow, we're expected to have an immediate solution.

So instead of trying to invent something the next time it happens, here's a list.

No elaborate planning. No packed schedule. Just a few ideas depending on how much time they have.

GOT 10 MINUTES?

✦ Make the best paper aeroplane you can.

✦ Put on one favourite song and dance until it ends.

✦ See how many times you can keep a balloon in the air.

✦ Water the plants.

✦ Doodle something without using an eraser.

✦ Try to balance on one leg for 30 seconds. Switch. Repeat.

✦ Build the tallest thing you can with whatever is nearby.

✦ Call a grandparent just to say hello.

GOT 30 MINUTES?

✦ Cycle around the neighbourhood.

✦ Go downstairs and find a friend.

✦ Play catch.

✦ Make yourself a snack.

✦ Shoot some hoops.

✦ Pull out a board game.

✦ Help make something in the kitchen.

✦ Take the dog for a walk.

✦ Put on three songs and invent a dance.

GOT AN HOUR?

✦ Head to the park.

✦ Meet a friend.

✦ Go for a family walk.

✦ Play badminton, football, basketball — or invent your own game.

✦ Bake something.

✦ Build something.

✦ Cook dinner together.

✦ Get everyone in the house involved in a game.

OR...

Here's another idea.

Do nothing.

Really.

Not every empty moment needs to be filled.

Boredom can become drawing. Pretend play. Building something strange. Staring out of a window. Or eventually figuring out something to do without an adult organising it.

So the next time you hear...

“I'm boooooored.”

You have two options:

Point them towards this list.

Or smile and say:

“Good. Let's see what you come up with.”

SAVE THE BOREDOM LIST

Screenshot it. Save it. Send it to another parent.

You'll probably need it sooner than you think.