Day 8: Create a Boredom Buster List | Simplified S
Let’s get organized for summer together!☀️ Let’s get ahead of the dreaded “I’m boooored” whining by creating a go-to list of screen-free activities your kids can do when they’re feeling bored. This list becomes a helpful tool to point them toward when they need something to do—and it saves you from having to come up with an idea on the spot.
Involve your kids in brainstorming ideas! When they help create the list, they’re more likely to actually use it. Post it somewhere visible.
Visit the link in my bio to download my free Simplified Summer Prep guide-it has a list of boredom busters if you want some ideas! The guide has 13 prep tasks to help you wrap up the school year well and start the summer of feeling organized.
As a parent, I know that dreaded phrase 'Mom, I'm bored!' can strike at any moment, especially during those long summer days. That's why I swear by having a robust 'Boredom Busters' list. It's not just about giving them things to do; it's about empowering them to choose and explore, all while keeping screens at bay. I've found that involving my kids in creating this list makes all the difference – when they help come up with the ideas, they're much more likely to use it! When we're compiling our list of things to do when bored for kids, I always try to think outside the box and focus on activities they can do at home, often with materials we already have. This is where the magic of screen-free play truly shines! For my 9-year-old, the key is often hands-on creativity or a sense of adventure. Here are some of our go-to boredom busters for that age group: Fort Building Extravaganza: Gather blankets, pillows, chairs, and even laundry baskets to construct an epic fort. Add flashlights, books, and snacks for a cozy hideout. Art Challenges: Instead of just drawing, give them a specific challenge: "Draw a creature that lives in a cloud," or "Create a comic strip about your day." Watercolors, pastels, or even just pencils and paper work wonders. Science Experiments: Simple kitchen science like making slime, building a volcano with baking soda and vinegar, or creating a homemade lava lamp. There are tons of easy ideas with household items. Outdoor Exploration: A nature scavenger hunt in the backyard, chalk art masterpieces on the driveway, or creating a "bug hotel" for insects. As kids get a bit older, like 10-12 year olds, their interests often shift towards more independent or project-based activities. It's about giving them options that feel engaging and a bit more challenging. Here are some of the things my 12-year-old enjoys doing when she's bored at home: DIY Craft Projects: Think friendship bracelets, tie-dyeing old t-shirts, creating custom greeting cards, or even trying out easy origami. Pinterest is a goldmine for ideas! Cooking & Baking Adventures: Simple recipes like baking cookies from scratch, making homemade pizza, or creating their own fruit smoothies. This teaches valuable life skills too! Storytelling & Journaling: Encourage them to write short stories, start a gratitude journal, or even create a family newspaper. It's a fantastic way to boost their imagination. Board Game Tournaments: Gather family members or have them invite a friend over for a classic board game or card game tournament. It's a great way to connect and compete. Photography Challenge: Give them an old phone or camera and a themed photo challenge, like "capture something red," "find textures," or "tell a story in three pictures" around the house or yard. Remember, the goal of these 'Boredom Busters' is to empower kids to solve their own "I'm bored" problem. We hung our list in a central spot, just like the image mentions, so it's always visible and accessible. It’s been a game-changer for our family, turning potential whining into creative, screen-free playtime. This Summer Prep strategy truly helps us all enjoy the season more peacefully!
