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“I’m Bored.” Why that might be the best thing you’ll hear these holidays

By mid-January, many families are running low on ideas and patience. When a child says “I’m bored,” our instinct is to fix it fast. But boredom isn’t a problem to solve; it’s a doorway. In the quiet, unfilled moments, children learn to notice themselves, follow curiosity, and invent something from nothing. That’s the soil where creativity, persistence and real self-motivation grow.

Here’s a simple, holiday-friendly approach for families.

1) Reframe it

Try a calm, confident response: “I love boredom. It means your brain is getting ready to create.”

This takes the heat out of the moment and invites a child to own the next step.

2) Make space for it

Modern life is busy. A little intentional white space, a tech-free hour after lunch, or a “quiet pocket” each morning gives boredom a chance to do its work. Consistency beats complexity.

3) Prime the environment (not the schedule)

A child doesn’t need a minute-by-minute plan; they need materials within reach. Think: a box with paper, tape and string; a tub of blocks; a picnic rug outside; a kitchen stool and a simple recipe. Set it up, step back, and let them take the lead.

4) Offer a “Boredom Menu” (not entertainment)

Instead of rescuing, offer three low-key prompts, then return ownership:

• Build the tallest thing you can using only recycled boxes.
• Make a map of our street/yard and add hidden “treasure.”
• Create a two-minute show (dance, magic trick, mini-play) for later.

If they push back, repeat the reframe: “I love bored. You’ve got this.”

5) Protect the conditions

Boredom and endless scrolling don’t mix. A simple family rule helps: devices parked during white-space time. If screens are used, set a clear “why” before “on” (learn, create, connect, relax). When the “why” is done, devices go off.

6) Repair beats perfect

Holidays aren’t tidy. If voices rise, model a tiny repair: “I’m sorry for my part. Here’s what I’ll try next time. How can we make this right together?” Kids who see repair learn resilience. Attribution: Adapted from key ideas shared by parenting educator Dr Vanessa Lapointe in her video “More Merry, Less Mayhem at Christmas” on ParentTV.

To find out more about ParentTV for schools visit https://parenttv.com/schools or email [email protected] 

Watch Dr Vanessa Lapointe discuss the topic here

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