Are You Bored Yet?

Are You Bored Yet?

Have you heard your child say, “I’m bored” yet? Only a few days out of school and they are “bored.” Have you as a parent set up a routine for your kids? Do they have a daily “to do” list? Things they can do or need to do, chores, activities, outings, etc.  So, what do you do when your kids say they are “bored.”

Do you give suggestions? Do you get frustrated? Do you automatically find something for them to do or take them somewhere? Many years ago, when I was a kid in the summer time, if I told my mom I was “bored,” her response was, “If you are bored I will help you find something to do.” I knew this was not something I wanted because it usually meant doing some sort of chore that I REALLY didn’t want to do! I then went and found something for myself to keep busy!

Kids need to learn how to use their time wisely. They also need to learn to entertain themselves without the need to sit and play on a screen or video game for most of their day. Remember the good old days when there wasn’t all these video games and electronics? We played outside. We played with friends. We got dirty. We were kids! 

I understand letting children play video games, when there are long car rides, must wait for an appointment, or when there is a rainy day.  Kids need to learn to play and use their imagination! 

So, how do parents limit their child’s screen time? Well, set time limits. I know parents who say a few hours a day or only if there is a rainy day. Also, I know parents who do things like, the child must earn screen time. The child must get their other things done first. Make a list for your child of things they need to do before they can have screen time, chores, playing outside, reading, etc. There are all kinds of creative ways to get this done. Just check Pinterest! 

Plan fun things to do with your kids for the summer. Check your local area for things like zoos, museums, hiking, biking, Vacation Bible School, camp, the beach, etc. Your kids want to spend time with you and create memories.  

When your child is all grown, what memories are they going to have? They are not going to remember their score on some video game, they are going to remember you spending time with them! Enjoy your kids and their summer vacation!