"I'm Bored" - What to do when the kids tell you they're bored over the summer

Summer rolls in with its long, sunny days and school-free schedule, and for many parents, that means one thing: the pressure to entertain. Suddenly, you're expected to be a camp counselor, event planner, snack coordinator, and screen-time negotiator all rolled into one. But what if we gave ourselves a little grace—and gave our kids something even more valuable than a jam-packed calendar?

What if we let them be bored?

It might sound counterintuitive in an era of enrichment and productivity, but boredom is not the enemy. In fact, it’s an important part of your child’s emotional and cognitive development. When we allow kids to sit with boredom, we’re helping them build mental muscles that will serve them for life.

 

Why Are We So Afraid of Boredom?

Let’s be honest—boredom makes adults uncomfortable, too. We live in a culture that prizes busyness and stimulation. But here’s the thing: boredom isn’t a problem to fix. It’s a space to grow.

When your child says, “I’m bored,” they’re really saying, “I don’t know what to do with this unstructured time.” And that’s okay. You don’t have to rush in with activities, apps, or outings. In fact, if you do, you might unintentionally send the message that their discomfort must always be relieved—when in reality, learning how to manage boredom is a life skill.

 

The Hidden Gifts of Boredom

Here’s what happens when kids are allowed to be a little bored:

It Fuels Creativity

Boredom nudges the brain to invent, imagine, and explore. Many childhood “bored” moments have led to blanket forts, cardboard cities, treasure hunts, and made-up languages. Without a prescribed activity, kids become the creators of their own world—and that’s where the magic happens.

It Builds Problem-Solving Skills

When nothing is planned, kids must make decisions for themselves: What do I want to do? What can I make out of this? How can I entertain myself? These micro-decisions help develop autonomy, critical thinking, and resilience.

It Supports Mental Health

Summer is the perfect time for kids to slow down and breathe. Unstructured time allows their nervous system to rest, especially after a busy school year filled with schedules, expectations, and social dynamics. Boredom can help kids reconnect with their bodies, nature, and themselves.

It Encourages Self-Awareness

Time alone with their thoughts gives kids space to check in with themselves. They might reflect on their feelings, get curious about the world, or just enjoy some mental rest. This can foster emotional intelligence and mindfulness.

 

Let’s Redefine “A Good Summer”

A “successful” summer doesn’t need to include Pinterest-perfect activities or non-stop stimulation. In fact, over-scheduling can lead to burnout—for you and your child. A summer filled with quiet mornings, lazy afternoons, spontaneous adventures, and even (gasp!) boredom can be just as valuable as any camp or class.

Kids don’t need every moment filled. They need room to discover who they are when no one’s telling them what to do.

 

But What If They’re Really Struggling With Boredom?

If your child is new to downtime, they may need help easing into it. Here are some gentle ways to support the transition:

• Create a "Boredom Shelf" or Box: Stock it with open-ended materials—paper, pencils, LEGO, puzzles, cardboard, string, play dough, etc. These can spark creativity without giving specific instructions.

• Use Encouraging Language: Instead of trying to solve boredom, say things like:

  • “It’s okay to feel bored sometimes. I wonder what you’ll come up with.”

  • “Boredom is just your brain’s way of asking for something different.”

• Model It: Let your kids see you enjoying unstructured time too—reading, doodling, daydreaming, or taking a walk just because.

 

Parents, You’re Off the Hook (Sort Of)

You don’t have to be your child’s personal cruise director all summer long. It’s not only okay for them to be bored—it’s beneficial. Trust that your child is capable of moving through that discomfort and into creativity, curiosity, and calm.

The next time you hear “I’m bored,” try not to panic. Smile, take a breath, and remind yourself: boredom is where imagination begins.

 

Look at it this way...this of this article as a gentle reminder that it’s okay—healthy, even—for kids to be a little bored over the summer. Boredom isn’t a problem. It’s the start of self-discovery, creativity, emotional growth, and resilience. And sometimes, the best summer memories come from the space between scheduled activities.