A child today tells you they're bored and reaches for a screen. Drawing on your own childhood, what would you suggest instead?

B Natural answer

I’d probably suggest make your own game, help in the kitchen, or draw a map of an imaginary world. When I was growing up, we didn’t always have screens, so boredom forced us to invent things. My cousins and I would turn an empty yard into a race track, a campsite, or a secret base, just using branches and old boxes. That kind of play teaches creativity and patience because the child has to decide what happens next. I wouldn’t tell them off for wanting a screen, but I’d offer a few choices first and let them pick one. If the first activity feels small and easy, they usually get interested after a minute or two. The goal is not to punish boredom. It’s to show that boredom can be the start of something more fun.

Key phrases in this answer

• make your own game — invent a game instead of waiting for entertainment“If the park is empty, just make your own game with a ball.”
• help in the kitchen — join a cooking or food-prep activity at home“When I was bored, I’d help in the kitchen and learn a recipe.”
• draw a map of an imaginary world — create a fictional place on paper“My little brother loved to draw a map of an imaginary world with castles and rivers.”
• go outside for a bit — leave the house briefly to reset your mood and energy“If you’re stuck on your homework, go outside for a bit and come back.”
• build something with your hands — make a physical object yourself instead of using a device“On rainy days, we used to build something with our hands out of paper and tape.”
• make a fort from blankets — build a simple hideout indoors using blankets and furniture“We’d make a fort from blankets and read books inside.”