My feed
Premium

Please
or
to access all these features

For free parenting resources please check out the Early Years Alliance's Family Corner.

Parenting

DC are BORED of every toy, game and book in the house

7 replies

JimbosJetSet · 04/04/2016 07:48

We have a house full of toys and games and books. Yet the DC (5&3) are BORED of everything they have and are incapable of entertaining themselves (eg they usually have 45 mins in the morning until their clocks go yellow at 7am). They have various things they enjoy, but they involve having an adult present. They also enjoy watching TV/ playing on tablets, but it makes me want to throw away every toy and book they own when that is all they can think of to do!

Will it get better as they get older? Any recommendations for amazing games or toys that will keep them quietly occupied and entertained?

Thanks!

OP posts:
Report
imwithspud · 04/04/2016 07:55

No idea but my dd (3) can also be similar. Not sure if this is helpful but I've always found busying myself with house work, usually in the kitchen which has a stair gate which I have closed whilst I'm cleaning to keep both dc out my way, leads her to entertain herself for a while. If she could she would play on her tablet all day every day but I don't allow it.

Toy suggestion: a toy kitchen is always a winner, this is the toy she probably plays with most, we have the IKEA one.

Also now the weathers getting better she's out in the garden more.

Report
kiki22 · 04/04/2016 09:05

My sons good at entertaining himself mainly because when my niece was little and I lived in the same house with her we spoiled her with attention 3 adults to 1 child meant there was usually always someone to play with her or give her attention, totally fine until she got to about 3 and couldn't do anything without you (even at 9 she constantly hangs about adults).

For this reason when ds was born I resolved not to do the same and encourage independent play. I mainly do this by turning off his tv and telling him to go play every time he comes back to moan about being bored I say tough luck figure it out I'm busy n send him away again. Also do the same with my niece shes way worse for coming back because she doesn't get told to play alone at home but after a few times she gives up and finds something to do.

I have to admit I have to be quite mean sometimes and say its not my problem your bored I'm not here to entertain you but it's the truth.

Report
poocatcherchampion · 04/04/2016 09:07

Take out most of your toys. Box them up and leave opened ended ones. After casting around for a bit they will start to play.

Or read simplicity parenting and then do it.

It is a marvel.

Report
whatsagoodusername · 04/04/2016 09:11

My DC find themselves suddenly entertained if I suggest they tidy up their toys...

Probably doesn't work as well if you're the organised tidy-up-as-you-go type though.

Report
OTheHugeManatee · 04/04/2016 09:11

Invite them to join you doing housework. If they don't want to tell them to figure it out.

You're a parent not a children's entertainer. A bit of boredom is healthy.

Report
2016ismyyear · 04/04/2016 09:18

Have a look at simplicity parenting book and the gift of boredom.

We are still streamlining our toys. Eventually they will have very little.
I've seen a huge increase in imaginative play and mixing toys for acting out stories. Mine are 8 and 4.

Report
JimbosJetSet · 04/04/2016 22:14

Thank you for the replies. And for the recommendations to read Simplicity Parenting. Book has been ordered!

OP posts:
Report
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.