“I’m Bored” Might Be the Best Thing Your Child Says Today

Summer is here. The kids are out of school, off a schedule and you hear it.

That long sigh… The heavy flop onto the couch… The words: “I’m bored.”

For many parents, these two words spark an inner scramble. It's tempting to fill the gap -with a craft, a snack, or a screen. But what if boredom isn’t a problem for us to solve, but an open door to something far more valuable?

🌿 Boredom is the Beginning

In our over-scheduled, instant gratification world, we tend to think of boredom as a void to be filled. But for children, boredom is actually a gift. It’s where creativity dusts off its wings and become brave. It’s the pause that often comes right before play gets really good.

The trick? Don’t rush to fix it. Instead, hold space for it. Boredom invites children to look inward, to notice, to wonder. And when paired with the great outdoors? It becomes a jumping off point.

🌿 Send Boredom Outside

Nature doesn’t offer instructions or batteries. It doesn’t chime or flash or tell your child what to do next. And that’s exactly why it’s so powerful.

The backyard, the forest, the park down the street—these are places where boredom gets turned into stories, games, forts, potions, inventions, and quiet observations. Even a stick can become ten different things in ten different minutes when boredom is allowed to bloom.

🌿 Why Outdoor Time is the Perfect Cure for “I’m Bored”

Here are just a few reasons to send your kids outside to play.

• Encourages creativity and open-ended play. With no set rules or instructions, nature invites kids to invent and explore.

• Builds independence and problem-solving skills. “What can I do with this pinecone?” becomes a question they answer on their own.

• Supports emotional regulation and calm. The natural world soothes and steadies our bodies and brains.

• Fuels curiosity and observation. A bored child may suddenly notice the ants on the sidewalk or the cloud that looks like a polar bear.

• Connects kids to nature and stewardship. Familiarity with the outdoors builds a love for creation - and a desire to care for it.

  
  

🌱 What to Say Instead of Solving Boredom

Next time your child sighs, “I’m bored,” try responding with a sense of wonder:

• “Lucky you! Boredom is the door to discovery!"

• “Let’s see what’s growing outside. I bet something’s blooming.”

• “Do you think lizards are taking a nap or having lunch? You should go find out.”

• “Can you see the birds that you can hear.”

Your child may very well discover that the very best ideas start with nothing at all. With love, light and leaves, Jennifer