My Secret Weapon in the Battle Against Boredom

“I’M SO BORED!”

We are smack dab in the middle of the summer and boredom is in full swing. Some days my kids make it sounds like the boredom is eating them up alive.

Although I am a firm believer in the idea that being bored fosters creativity, I am also really tired of hearing those three little words, “I’m So Bored!”

I created an “I’m So Bored” chart to put an end to all the suggestions my kids keep vetoing. Now, when my kids come to me and say they are dying of boredom, I say, “Go get the dice.”

They know that once they utter the “B word,” they can’t take it back. The dice will determine their fate for the next 10-15 minutes.

My chart is divided into 6 categories, each with 6 tasks. The first roll determines which box they will be in and the second roll chooses the specific activity.

Some ideas might be exciting and enjoyable for them, others, like clean the windows, might cause some groans, but that is the risk they take when they let the boredom phrase slip.

I have provided you with our list but you can also download my blank list to write in your own ideas.

Get your copy at my Etsy shop: click here

Box 1: Make Something

This box gets your kids to use their hands and be creative. Have them make a card to send to a friend, build a pillow fort or Lego car. Make a comic book or a list of their top ten favorite foods or animals. Try making paper airplanes and race them.

Box 2: Clean Something

This might be my kids’ least favorite activity but that is the risk they take when the chart comes out. I tried to find things that are age appropriate and safe for them to clean.

Take a look at my post Chasing Rainbows to see how we organize our bookshelves using color order.

We use this vacuum because it’s super powerful, easy to store, and manageable for the kids to handle.

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Box 3: Learn Something

I don’t like to make learning a punishment so I tried to make this box something that my boys would actually be interested in learning. Heck, in the future, they might even be able to use sign language to communicate the phrase, “I’m so bored.”

Box 4: Draw Something

There’s no better activity for your kids to do when they’re bored than to draw something. You might even pick up a crayon of your own and join your kids! We are huge fans of the step-by-step tutorials that Art For Kids Hub has on Youtube.

Box 5: Read Something

Just like the box “Learn Something,” I don’t like to make reading a punishment, but sometimes when you are bored the best things to do is to pick up a book and reset. Maybe changing the location or allowing your child to make a video of themself reading will be the motivation they need to get their nose in a book.

Box 6: Play Something

This one might include your participation but who doesn’t like a game? All these games are classics for kids to learn and require very little supplies. Word of caution though, I always warn my oldest son that I don’t play with cheaters and the loser must be a good sport.

Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors by Drew DeWalt

If you haven’t read the book, The Legend of Rock, Paper Scissors with your kids, run out and get it. It is on our top ten list of all-time favorite books and is the best way to teach the game, “Rock, Paper, Scissors.”

Now go get your dice and put an end to the constant stream of children whining, “I’m so bored.” Use this chart as your secret weapon in the battle against of boredom. After a few rounds of laundry or reading to little brother, my boys have thought twice about admitting to the fact that they are bored.

Try our blank template and come up with ideas to fit your own family.

Get your copy at my Etsy shop: click here