Back in my day, there was no streaming library of shows, no pocket-sized screens with endless dopamine hits, no immediate gratification at the press of a button. If we were bored, we were bored. And eventually, something came of it: forts made of bedsheets, stories scribbled in old notebooks, role play with stuffies and old phone books, all orchestrated with nothing but a homemade costume and a little imagination.
Fast-forward to 2025, and boredom feels almost impossible. Our kids are wired for constant stimulation, and we as parents often feel pressure to provide it. But what if boredom isn’t a problem to be solved, but a gift we’ve forgotten how to give?
Why It Matters (for Them and for Us)
Imagination is like a muscle. And like any muscle, it needs practice, stretching and exposure to grow strong. When kids sit in the uncomfortable silence of boredom, they’re flexing that muscle. With time, it gets easier for them to create their own fun, stories and worlds.
And here’s the kicker: it matters for us too. A dear friend and former homeschooler mom shared with me that for years, she felt it was her job to manage every moment of her kids’ day, until she made the conscious decision to stop. Now her kids are thriving, and she feels free—even with a full-time job, and plenty of juggling. That hit home. I used to think that managing my kids’ every move—filling every gap with activities, crafts and ideas—made me a “better” mom. But really, it just exhausted me. Maybe the ideal isn’t constant management. Maybe the gift is stepping back.
The Gift of Wonder
Here’s the magic: once boredom is welcomed, wonder sneaks in. Kids start to see the extraordinary in the ordinary—cloud animals drifting by, a cardboard box turned boat, bugs on the sidewalk holding a protest.
Wonder is a gift we could use too. When we’re not scrambling to entertain or micromanage, we start to notice things again: the way light hits our favourite spot on the couch, a book ready to be picked up, the joy of a phone-free walk (gasp!).
What Boredom Builds (in My House)
In my own home, boredom has led to:
• Creativity: Paper airplanes; elaborate drawings; kid-sized market booths where parents get to shop, and enjoy a guilt-free plate of decadent desserts made of pom poms, while paying an absurd amount of fake (well-spent) money.
• Collaboration: Siblings working together on forts, projects and role play (and yes, sometimes squabbling, it’s an inevitable part of the process).
• Life Skills and Connection: Inviting us into their play while practicing autonomy and leadership.
• Problem-Solving: “How do I re-shape this airplane so it has more speed?” “Why does this angle look off in my drawing?”
• Resilience: When things flop, they try again—without me stepping in to rescue them.
The shift has been striking. Instead of, “What are we doing now?” or “When can I get screen time?” I’ve started hearing, “Just a sec, Mom—we’re working on a project!”
These aren’t just cute byproducts. They’re essential life skills. Kids who learn to tolerate boredom are better equipped to face challenges later in life, whether it’s handling frustration, waiting their turn or solving real-world problems.
A Parent’s Quiet Win
Letting our kids be bored is one of the best gifts we can give ourselves. By stepping out of the role of cruise director and constant dopamine supplier, we reclaim time, energy and little slices of joy that used to get lost in the shuffle. We don’t have to be their endless entertainment. We get to watch them grow into it on their own.
Boredom Is Not the Enemy
Boredom is an open door. For them and for us. So, the next time your kids groan, “I’m bored,” or complain (because they will), remember this: No, you don’t have to fix it, and no, you are not failing them. You’re modelling what it looks like to slow down, look up (phone down) and rediscover the wonder around you. We can stop overthinking, let go of control and remember that our nervous system deserves rest just as much as our kids’ imagination deserves freedom.
So, here’s my invitation: Let them be bored. Let yourself be bored. You both might just find the gift you didn’t know you needed.
3 Quick Ways to Embrace Boredom This Week
1. Set the Stage: Offer open-ended tools (paper, blocks, boxes) and step back.
2. Pause for the Cause: When the whining hits, pause before reacting. You are building your patience muscle too.
3. Notice the Wonder: Point out clouds, shadows, shapes—little details that can spark their imagination.
