to allow ds to be bored stiff?

[ladysybil]

he is moaning that he has nothing to do. i've suggested he read a book. he doesnt want to. i'm takinghim out later in the day, but at the moment i think he needs to use his own resources.
am i a mega hard mum? being on mumsnet and ignoring my poor child?

Yes it's good to be bored

Essential, in fact

Boredom is underrated! If he's got access to toys, books, crayons, the TV, a garden, whatever then he's not bored... just not making the most of the resources available.

My nan used to say 'only boring people get bored'

he has all that, plus a dsi. not the laptop, coz i am on it.
ds1 has just graced us with his presence. i dont mind him sleeping in late, its his summer holidays after all, but i do mind him going straight down to the telly before even going to the toilet. am about to have big fight as the dishwasher , which he was supposed to load last night, awaits him. ( he is 13)

Yes, of course housework! Get the vacuum cleaner and the dusters out pronto. That's what my mum used to do if anyone dared say 'I'm bored'

Every single day DD1 asks "Can we go somewhere today?" as if we must take ourselves on an exciting jaunt for every day of the holidays. We have thousands of toys and books. We have a big paddling pool. Currently we have two dogs to play with (normally just the one). Colouring books, DVDs, games, scooters, slide... but no, staying here is purgatory and I'm cruuuueeellll!

YANBU everyone needs to experience it and learn from it themselves.

I say 'Don't worry, I've got plenty of jobs that need doing...'
its amazing how quickly dd finds something to do at that point.

Nope - it's all part of the benign neglect that's an important part of raising a child!

Do what my parents used to do - offer a list of alternatives for bored people - hoovering, dusting, dishes, car cleaning etc etc etc soon got us finding something to do and not whinging!!

It depends what he has access to. Children must be expected to entertain themselves, but they need resources with which to do so and, preferably, other children with which to do so.

Can't he have a friend round?

I think boredom is really important at all ages actually. it's far too easy these days to just stick the telly on which I think is harmful. I agree though that there need to be things around for them to actually do, even if it's just pen and paper.

YANBU

DS1 has a massive amount of Lego, boredom is not something that happens.