Why "I'm Bored" Might Be the Best Thing You Hear This Summer
If you've heard "Mom, I'm bored!" or "Can I have my iPad? I'm so bored!" more times than you can count, you're not alone. Summer break, weekends, school holidays, and even rainy afternoons can leave parents feeling responsible for keeping their children entertained every minute of the day.
But what if boredom isn't actually a problem to solve?
According to Brittany Bindi, LMHC-D, boredom can be one of the most valuable experiences a child has. While it may seem uncomfortable in the moment, those unstructured periods often create opportunities for growth, creativity, independence, and self-discovery.
Why Boredom Feels So Uncomfortable
Many children have become accustomed to constant stimulation. Between organized activities, sports, screens, social media, and packed schedules, there are fewer opportunities for kids to simply sit with an empty moment.
When that stimulation disappears, boredom naturally follows.
As parents, our instinct is often to jump in with solutions:
Suggesting activities
Offering a screen
Planning an outing
Creating entertainment
While these responses come from a place of love, constantly filling every gap can prevent children from developing important skills like self-direction, problem-solving, and creative thinking.
Boredom Is a Gateway to Creativity
"When kids aren't instantly handed something to do or given a screen, they're forced to tap into their own creativity and problem-solving skills," Brittany explains. "Those quiet moments are often where the best ideas come from."
Think about some of the classic childhood activities that emerged from boredom:
Building forts from couch cushions
Creating obstacle courses
Putting on puppet shows
Inventing games
Drawing comics
Writing stories
Exploring outdoors
Creating imaginary worlds
None of these activities usually start because someone told a child exactly what to do. They begin when a child has the time and space to figure it out for themselves.
What Kids Learn When They're Bored
Boredom isn't just about finding something fun to do. It's also helping children develop important life skills.
When kids learn to work through boredom, they are practicing:
Creativity and imagination
Independent thinking
Problem-solving
Frustration tolerance
Decision-making
Self-confidence
Resilience
Over time, children begin to realize that they are capable of creating their own entertainment and finding solutions on their own—a lesson that extends far beyond childhood.
The Hidden Value of Unstructured Time
Research continues to show that unstructured play is essential for healthy child development. Unlike organized activities with specific rules and outcomes, free play allows children to experiment, take risks, make decisions, and follow their interests.
These moments help children learn:
How to manage their own time
How to entertain themselves
How to explore curiosity
How to develop intrinsic motivation
In other words, boredom often becomes the starting point for learning.
How Parents Can Respond to "I'm Bored"
The next time your child announces they're bored, try resisting the urge to immediately solve the problem.
Instead, Brittany recommends responding with curiosity:
"What do you think sounds fun right now?"
"What could you create today?"
"What haven't you done in a while?"
"What materials do you have that you could use?"
"What's something you've always wanted to try?"
These questions encourage children to think critically and develop their own solutions rather than relying on an adult to provide one.
When It's Okay to Offer Support
Allowing boredom doesn't mean leaving children without guidance.
Some children benefit from having access to open-ended materials that encourage creativity, such as:
Art supplies
Building blocks
Books
Outdoor toys
Craft materials
Puzzles
Dress-up clothes
The goal isn't to provide constant entertainment but to create an environment where exploration can happen naturally.
A Small Mindset Shift for Parents
The next time your child says, "I'm bored," try viewing it differently.
Instead of hearing:
"I need you to entertain me."
Try hearing:
"I'm about to discover something on my own."
That simple shift can help parents feel less pressure while giving children the opportunity to build confidence, independence, and creativity.
The Takeaway
As Brittany puts it:
"Boredom isn't something to fear—it's something to embrace. It's an opportunity for kids to discover themselves, build independence, and learn that they're capable of creating their own fun."
The next time boredom shows up in your home, consider giving it a little room to stay. What may seem like an empty moment could actually be the beginning of your child's next great idea.
About Brittany Bindi, LMHC-D
Brittany Bindi is a licensed mental health clinician in New York with more than 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Tampa and her master's degree in counseling from Northwestern University. Brittany currently works at the New York Psychotherapy and Counseling Center and plans to open her own private practice in 2026, specializing in therapy for young adults and parent coaching.
