What to Do When Your Child Is Bored

What to Do When Your Child Is Bored

Practical ideas can help parents avoid planning every moment while still supporting children’s creativity, independence, and responsible use of their free time.

Start by acknowledging that your child doesn’t know what to do, then give them a little time to come up with an idea of their own. If they need a bit of help, offer two or three options, such as drawing, building something, or helping with a simple household task. Agree on what they can use and what they’ll need to tidy up afterwards. These boundaries leave room for choice while teaching children to take responsibility for their time and belongings.

Interested in this topic? Read more: Let the kids be bored: The key to developing self-control and personality in the summer Want to find out where you stand personally? Take a short test at the end of the page and gain a better understanding.

How does this apply to you? Choose the answers that describe you best:

Imagine that your child lies under a tree all day, staring at the sky. What does this idea evoke in you first?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

When your child says, "I'm bored," how do you usually respond?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

If you had to define boredom, what would come closest to your interpretation?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

The child started building with old boards and mud by themselves. You...

Choose the answer that best describes you.

Imagine a child who has no extracurricular activities or schedule throughout the summer. What do you think will come of that?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

What type of activity enriched you the most in your childhood?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

What does "let a child be bored" mean to you?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

Imagine your child comes up with a completely nonsensical game. Your first reaction?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

When a child is "loafing around" but is content, what does that trigger in you?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

If you could remember one summer moment from your childhood that shaped you...

Choose the answer that best describes you.

Summer as a gift for a child's personality – if we let them get bored.

Get an evaluation of your answers

Enter your email to create an account and link this test to it. After you submit all 10 answers, we’ll show your evaluation on the page and email you a link.