What do you do with your kids when they’re bored?

[paulwallas]

Hi everyone, I’m a dad of two and I’ve been thinking about how difficult it can be to think of ideas to play with the kids, especially when you’re short on time.

I’ve started working on an idea for a website/app called WhatCanWeDo, which is basically designed to give parents activity ideas based on things like children’s ages, how much time you have, whether you’re indoors or outdoors, etc.

But I need some help from other parents!
I’d love to build up a really good bank of activities that parents actually use, rather than just filling it with the usual “make a paper aeroplane / bake some cakes” stuff.

Please can I ask what are your go-to activities with your kids when you’re stuck for something quick to do?

It can be absolutely anything, things you’ve invented yourself, games you played as a child, etc.

If you have different-aged children, I’d especially love to hear about activities that work well with siblings of different ages. My girls are 2 and 5 and I sometimes struggle to think of something that works for both.

I’m hoping to use the ideas people share to help shape the site, so please throw your best ideas at me! Thank you ☺️

I just chuck them out into the garden

I expected them to Work it out for themselves and either remain bored and loll/mooch about without annoying anyone else or find own way of entertaining self that did not involve me thinking for them.

I think this is easier for the older children but I’m probably coming at this more for younger children who want your time.

eg my 5 year old loves to play musical statues or tag with me but then there’s other times where she wants something new so this is what I’m hoping to find

also, when you said about you not thinking for them, that’s another part of my idea. I think it’d be cool if you say how much time you have/want to prep and one option is “not a lot” 😆

Being bored is good for children. They need to learn to use their own imagination and entertain themselves.
when my kids were bored I told them to go and read a book.

Definitely. Sorry I should have said, this is not a replacement for being bored. I agree, boredom can help kids imaginations. It’s more for parents. When you’re stuck, have little time and they want an idea, it’s an alternative to searching google. Based on your kids age, interests, how much time you have etc, it will recommend you ideas

Where there are books, toys, colouring books and crayons/felt tips and a garden -adult input should be a minimum.
Bugger off and play kids or be bored quietly in your rooms
nothing to do with the adults lol

You agreed with me, but then went on to say the website was for parents to help them find things for their kids to do, which is exactly the opposite to what I’d said.