My kid is bored without screens - what do I do?
I’m here today with some ideas on what to do when your child is bored without their phone, gaming system, tablet, whatever electronic devices they have.
As parents start to clamp down on excessive screen time for kids, it’s common for the kids to push back and get whiny.
“I’m bored!”
“Everything fun is on my phone! All my friends! All my games! You’re taking away MY WHOLE LIFE!
So, how do you deal with all the complaining and whininess when you try to reduce screen time???
We’ve compiled the best tips for you to get through this - you can do this and it WILL get better!
Recognize change is hard. You’re asking your child to change an ingrained habit, perhaps even a life-long habit. When they’re bored, they know what to do - grab their phone and entertain themselves. It’s easy for them and it’s easy for you. Now you’re asking them to bypass the easiest way to relieve boredom. They’re going to need some help working through this change.
Know that they’re only complaining because they hope you’ll cave in and give them back their familiar old habit - their device. If they make it uncomfortable enough for you, they hope you’ll give in. DON’T DO IT! It’s only going to prolong the complaining if you get wishy-washy.
Sit with them and brainstorm a list of ideas of all the things they could do when they’re bored. To get you started, here’s a list of 100+ Offline Activities for kids 4-12 years old - older kids can start with this list and modify it for activities they want to do. Post their list on the refrigerator and when they complain they’re bored, point to the list.
Transition to a screen-free afternoon with an activity you do together, then give them some time alone. You could color a coloring page, draw, walk the dog, go grocery shopping, play a board game, get out a balloon and only keep it afloat with your big toes - then see what they come up with next. Or try this Newlywed-type game with the family - it’s kids vs adults in a competition to see who knows each other better. (directions here).
If none of that works, you can smile and let them know that if they can’t find anything to do, you have a list of chores you’d be happy to share. And if they continue complaining, give them a chore or ask for their help with dinner prep. It’s not about punishing them - have fun with it!
Pat yourself on the back. The fact that your child is whiny and uncomfortable without screens means it’s time for a break! They need to experience where boredom => creativity leads. 🏆 You’re doing a great job parenting! 🏆
Bottom line - I’m not anti-technology. I bet you’re not either.
I’m not saying to never let kids have tech, but I do want kids to have a healthy balance of online and offline time. Research tells us it’s important to take breaks from tech and the pressures it brings, to have focus time without distractions, to pursue passions and interests and creativity blossoms from boredom.
So give them some support and then, let them be bored. You might be surprised at what they come up with!