I am sure you have heard your kids say that to you before. Some of you might be thinking that you hear that on a regular and daily basis. But, is that really what they are saying? It seems to me that it is a catch-all phrase for several things. I allowed my boys to say that for a while until I got tired of hearing it and decided to get to the root of why they were saying that phrase. Many times it was they either were tired or didn’t know what to do with their time. They wanted me to come up with a suggestion, which many times  was met with a “Nah.” or a shake of the head no.

I came up with what I think is an ingenious idea. I created an “I’m Bored” list of things for them to do. If they couldn’t find some type of constructive activity to do on their own (besides electronic media) then they consulted the list. Sometimes I would assign them a category and they were to pick something to do from the list, such as a household chore. 🙂

“What is this wondrous list?” you ask. Well, it just happens to be your day as I will share it with you!

Household Chores (Gotta have this on the top of the list!)

• Pick up toys in your room
• Sweep kitchen floor
• Clean sink of choice (bathroom or kitchen)
• Fold laundry
• Load dishwasher
• Clean out the refrigerator or pantry
• Make dinner (only for those who know how to cook)

These next categories will require you to gather the supplies ahead  of time, place in a box, and have a designated area, but it is soo worth it!

Crafts

• Potholders
• Knitting/ crocheting
• Origami
• Cross stitch
• Make cards
• Draw a picture for the refrigerator
• Paint
• Make friendship bracelets Print off directions and place in box.
• Make duct tape creations Go here for some ideas. ducktivities I had no idea there were so many things you could do with it!

Games/Activities

These suggestions are for one person as sometimes no one else is available. Once you print off the puzzle pages and solutions there is no electricity involved. 🙂

• Solitaire
• Crossword puzzles This site has crossword puzzles that are small, but there are two per page. (Middle school and older) Here is a site for younger students: kids crosswords
• Sudoku puzzles that range from easy to insane
• Word Finds
• Coloring pages
• Write a story Have a cool looking small spiral pad or notebook and fancy pens to write stories.
• Read a book
• Play with duplos,legos, dolls, or action figures Have these reserved for this particular purpose that can only be played then.
• Jigsaw puzzles
• Barrel of Monkeys game
• Mazes varying in difficulty from easy to hard
• Dot-to-dot
• Hidden Pictures for younger students, Hidden Owl by Crayola, Hidden Pictures for older students  If your children really like Hidden Pictures consider purchasing Highlights for Kids. These have been around for a long time and have stories, jokes, and hidden pictures.
• Kakuro puzzles I never heard of them before, have you? They are mathematical puzzles that you can read about to see if your student would be interested in trying their hand at it. kakuro (middle school to adult)

Games for Two or More Players

• Checkers
• Chess
• Chinese Checkers
• Dominoes
• Candyland, Hi Ho Cherry O, Chutes and Ladders, Cootie All of these games are for the younger crowd
• Life, Payday, Monopoly
• Tic-tac-toe
• Mancala You can make your own game if you like. You just need an egg carton and pennies or beans.
• Connect 4
• Guesstures
• Scrabble
• Uno
• Card Games- Go Fish, Hearts,War, I Doubt It, Old Maid, Rummy, Crazy 8’s, Spit (One of my favorite card games)
• I Spy is a great game for young children through adults. It can help young children with their colors and for older kids they can pick objects that are difficult to spot.

Make your list, prepare your boxes and you’ll be all set. If you have any suggestions I’d love to add them to the list.You can never have too many ideas to have available for when you hear your child(ren) say, “I’m bored!”

~Lisa