Let Them Be Bored

It’s like fingernails on a chalkboard for a parent to hear:

“I’m boooored.”

I’ve been hearing it daily since school let out for summer.

And honestly? I used to feel frustrated by it. I felt like I needed to fix it. Solve it. Fill the gap.

But I’m learning something: boredom is not actually the problem.

Stimulation Addiction

Our kids get used to structure, stimulation, activity, and constant engagement. School schedules. Sports. Screens. Noise. Movement. Entertainment. It’s the water we’re all swimming in.

So when summer slows down, boredom rises to the surface.

Instead of shaming our kids for being bored, we can help them learn how to manage it.

Because creativity often flourishes on the heels of boredom.

The Gift Hidden Inside Boredom

Many of us feel pressure to keep our kids constantly occupied. I used to do this a lot myself. But over the years, I’ve started noticing something fascinating: when my kids say, “I’m bored,” and I resist rescuing them immediately, something eventually clicks.

Within fifteen minutes, they’re building forts, creating games, inventing worlds, making art, organizing competitions, climbing something, or disappearing into imaginative play together.

Boredom becomes the doorway.

When we allow our children space to be bored, it activates creativity, problem-solving, initiative, and imagination. They begin learning an important life skill: how to create instead of simply consume.

Responding to Boredom

So the next time your child says, “I’m bored,” try resisting the urge to immediately hand them a screen or organize an activity for them.

Instead, calmly ask:

“What are you going to do about it?”

You can help them brainstorm:

• What could you do right now?

• What do we already have in the house?

• What sounds fun to you today?

• What haven’t you done in a long time?

Sometimes I’ll even tell my kids stories about the strange and simple things I used to do growing up — riding bikes for hours, building things outside, inventing games with my sisters. They actually love hearing it, and it often sparks ideas of their own.

Space is Key

Life was never meant to be filled with constant stimulation and structured entertainment every waking moment. Even Jesus told His disciples, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while” (Mark 6:31).

There is something deeply human about slowing down, stepping back, and allowing space to breathe, think, wonder, and create.

Some of the best formation happens in the quiet spaces — where boredom can teach our children initiative, resilience, creativity, and wonder.

So the next time the moaning begins, don’t panic.

You may just be standing at the doorway to your child’s most imaginative summer day yet.

Happy Summer from My Heart and Home to Yours,

Ali

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Homes of Glory provides biblical encouragement & practical tips to help families stay grounded and growing in Jesus Christ.