I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how much kids these days are used to being entertained. Between tablets, TV, and toys that do everything for them, it can feel like a constant fight to keep them engaged with anything that doesn’t beep or flash. I have a kindergartener and an almost 2-year-old, so I see it in action every day.
Sometimes I see how many other kids are engaging with technology at such a young age and it can feel kind of dystopian. I also sometimes feel like the odd one out, making the decision to not allow these things for my kids. So, I wanted to write a post wrapping up some of my thoughts so they’re not bopping around in my head.
Let the Boredom Happen
I’m trying to raise kids who can find joy without constant stimulation.
One of the first things I’ve learned is that boredom isn’t the enemy. It’s a super important skill for kids to learn. I’m always saying (and I believe it to be true), “I’m 32 years old and I haven’t been bored a day in my life”.
When my kindergartener sits quietly with crayons or stacks blocks, she’s practicing focus and creativity. When my toddler wanders around the room exploring a basket of everyday objects, she’s learning problem-solving without even realizing it. I try not to rush in the second they’re “bored.” Instead, I let them figure out what to do, even if it takes a few minutes for them to settle into something.
It’s important to talk to your kids about this too. I try to explain that it’s okay to be bored sometimes and that their imagination is the best tool they have. We talk about ideas for what to do when they have nothing to play with and brainstorm together. Over time, they start coming up with their own ideas, which is exactly the goal.
I also try to make sure we have plenty of opportunities for independent play. This doesn’t mean leaving the kids alone all day. It means creating spaces and situations where they can explore on their own. The hardest part for me has always been dealing with the mess that comes after these creative flow states, but we’re all working on cleaning up together!
I love to pull out extra measuring cups, spoons, and bowls while I prep dinner. It’s amazing how long a kindergartener and a toddler can entertain themselves “cooking” when the materials are open-ended and not flashy.
Little Helpers
Another thing that helps is showing my kids that normal everyday life is interesting. My kindergartener helps me sort laundry, and we count socks together or match colors. My toddler loves to “help” me feed the dog or scoop rice from one bowl to another. These small activities teach them that they don’t always need a toy or screen to be engaged. They learn curiosity, independence, and patience, which are skills that will stick with them for life.
I saw it on Pinterest once and it’s true: “they don’t want to be entertained, they want to be included”. My kindergartener loves helping me make dinner, vacuum, you name it. The other day she “paid a bill for me” by punching in the numbers on my computer. I think these things will transfer to real life skills when they’re older and living on their own.
Nature’s Playground
I also make sure we have a lot of outdoor time. Nature is a built-in playground. Even a short walk in the backyard or down the block can keep both my kindergartener and my toddler entertained for a surprisingly long time. Collecting leaves, watching birds, jumping in puddles, or just feeling the wind in their faces gives them experiences they can’t get from a screen. The world outside is naturally stimulating if we let them explore it.
I won’t lie, it’s not always easy. There are days when my kindergartener asks for a show every five minutes and my toddler wants me to chase her around constantly. But I remind myself that teaching them to enjoy independent play and find joy in simple things is one of the best gifts I can give them. It’s worth a little whining and a few extra messes along the way.
Raising kids who aren’t constantly entertained isn’t about being strict or denying them fun. It’s about helping them discover that life itself can be engaging. It’s about giving them the tools to be creative, curious, and content even without gadgets or toys that do everything for them.
My kindergartener and almost 2-year-old are learning that the world is a kind place full of small adventures, and I couldn’t be more excited to watch them explore it on their own.
Do you let your kids be bored?
Let me know below!
O.
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