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As a mother of 3 children, I occasionally get to hear these two highly irritating words: ” I’m Bored!” I detest it so much that it is now banned in our house and we have a poster up on the fridge with a few ideas. Growing up, I was told, that being bored was a sign of a boring person. I decided that I was not having boring people in my home!
With young children, they need to be taught how to occupy themselves. Mine are all of school going age so I expect that they can entertain themselves, at least for a little while, each day independently. Giving them a list or a plan seems to help them focus on what is available. I like to remind them what possibilities are open to them. What they can do. If I tell them, go and do something, they end up nagging each other, fighting or arguing a lot. But if I say, choose a toy, activity, book and give them a selection, they are more easily satisfied. It also helps to have a designated place where all toys and games etc are stored and that they are easily accessible. It defeats the object if they need your help to reach, open or find items to play with.
In the beginning of my boredom busting plan, I made reference to the poster a lot. But now, they remind themselves and each other of their options and have added a few of their own. I have included the poster we use below so that you can download it and print it too. I hope it helps you to banish those two little words from your home!
How to not be bored
click on the picture for a pdf that you can print
I am a preschool and primary school teacher and mum to 3 children. I have been involved in education since 1997 and have trained in a variety of educational specialist areas. It is with this expertise that I write articles to help parents and educators provide quality learning experiences for the children in their care.
