Building Resilience by Letting Your Kids be Bored
If you’re a parent, you may have wondered, “Why can’t my child entertain themselves?” Maybe they jump from one thing to another, asking for a snack, a screen, or your attention again and again.
You are not imagining this. Many kids today really do struggle with boredom. It may seem small, but boredom plays a big role in helping kids grow, learn, and feel strong inside.
Why Kids Don’t Get Bored the Way We Did
When many of us were young, boredom was normal. We had long car rides, slow afternoons, and quiet moments with nothing to do.
Today, kids live in a fast, busy world filled with:
Instant entertainment
Quick answers from technology
Packed schedules
Pressure to always “do” something
Because life moves so fast, kids don’t get much practice sitting with quiet moments anymore.
Why Boredom Helps Kids Grow
As a Marriage & Family Therapist, I see every day how important boredom is for healthy emotional growth. Even though boredom feels uncomfortable, it helps kids learn skills they will need for life.
Boredom Builds Creativity
When kids have nothing to do, their minds start to imagine, invent, and create.
Boredom Builds Problem-Solving Skills
Kids learn to figure things out on their own instead of asking adults to fix everything.
Boredom Builds Emotional Regulation
Sitting with a small uncomfortable feeling helps kids build patience, calm, and coping skills.
Boredom Builds Independence
Kids learn they don’t need screens or constant help to feel okay.
Together, these skills help kids become more resilient, which means they can handle stress and challenges with confidence.
Why Kids Fight Boredom Today
Many kids feel boredom like an emergency. This is not because they are spoiled. It’s because they haven’t had practice managing the feeling.
When boredom is always fixed with a screen, an activity, or a parent stepping in, kids learn that boredom is something scary to avoid.
Screens make this even harder. They create fast, exciting stimulation, and regular life cannot compete with that. Slow moments begin to feel uncomfortable or “not enough.”
Parenting Tips to Help Kids Handle Boredom
Here are simple steps you can use at home to help your child build their “boredom muscles.”
Normalize boredom
Try saying:
“It’s okay to feel bored. You’ll think of something.”
This shows you are calm and confident, which helps your child stay calm too.Don’t rescue them right away
Skip the quick fixes. Give them time to sit with the feeling before you jump in.
Make a ‘Boredom Basket’ or an “I Can…” list.
Fill it with open-ended activities like:
Art supplies
Blocks
Books
Playdough
Puzzles
Simple crafts
Legos
These help kids create, not just consume.
Limit screens ahead of time.
Proactive limits give kids more chances to practice self-directed play.
Model slowing down.
Let your child see you having quiet, peaceful moments without a screen.
Celebrate boredom wins.
Say things like:
“You figured out something fun to do! That’s great creative thinking.”Kids love praise, and this reinforces the behavior you want.
Final Thoughts
Kids are not born knowing how to handle boredom. It’s a skill they learn with time and practice. Yes, it can feel uncomfortable for everyone at first, but the payoff is big.
When you help your child learn to sit with slow moments, you help them grow into an adult who can handle stress, frustration, and tough moments with confidence.
So next time your child says, “I’m bored,” try seeing it as a chance for growth—not a problem you must fix.
Paraclete Counseling Center is conveniently located in Suwanee, GA, and offers both online and in-person therapy to clients in Suwanee, Johns Creek, Duluth, Alpharetta, Cumming, Buford, Norcross, Lawrenceville, Roswell, Peachtree Corners, Dacula, and the surrounding areas. We are proud to offer Christian counseling to individuals, couples, and families looking for faith-based support in their therapeutic journey. Whether you're dealing with mental health concerns, relationship challenges, or desiring personal growth, we are here to walk with you through whatever you're going through. Reach out today to schedule a session with us!
