When your toddler or preschool-aged child says, “I’m bored,” you may feel like you’ve run out of ideas. Your home might be stocked with toys and games, but your child has tired of them, at least for the moment. Spontaneous outings or shopping for more entertainment possibilities aren’t always possible. What to do?
This perennial parenting problem may even be getting worse. In a world of constant stimulation, children may be slower to learn how to occupy themselves with their own imaginations. When they’re in a daycare setting, they have structured activities but when at home they may struggle to entertain themselves. Here are a few ideas to try out when your child isn’t responding to your usual tactics.
A New Spin on the Familiar
- Invite them to lead a conversation. Ask questions about a toy or movie they have recently been enthusiastic about, or what their favorite superhero has been up to lately.
- Keep your ears open for upbeat, kid-friendly music. Mix new discoveries with established favorites to kick off a dance party or sing-along.
- Repurpose common household items or toys as musical instruments and improvise a song together.
- Change up your movie-watching routine. If you normally watch from the couch, spread a blanket on the floor to lie down on. If you normally watch with the lights on, turn them off.
- Unbox a familiar board game and make up new rules together as you play.
- Suggest inviting a friend for a sleepover and plan it together. Involving another child in some of your familiar activities should make them more interesting to your child.
Changing Things Up
When you think you’ve tried everything and your child is still restless, the basic idea of this list can be used again and again: Think of an activity you frequently do and try to brainstorm ways to change it, keeping it fresh for yourself and your child. Ideally, make it sillier. Laughter is a great antidote for boredom, and it provides physical and emotional benefits for adults as well.
To learn more about the innovative and engaging techniques that Montessori-trained instructors use to make learning fun for preschool children, talk with your child’s teacher.