Six weeks of sun, snacks and no school might sound like every child’s dream – but as any parent knows, the novelty wears off fast. It doesn’t take long before “I’m bored” becomes the background soundtrack to the summer holidays. And while you may want to roll your eyes or fire back a sarcastic reply, the way you respond can actually make things worse.
Chris Sharman has been working in the leisure industry since 1995, and founded Kidztivity in 2010 to shake up how children’s activities are delivered. He’s spent decades helping organisations and businesses create better experiences for kids – and knows all too well how tricky the summer holidays can be for parents.
“Hearing your child complain about being bored again can be infuriating, especially when you’re juggling work, house admin, and trying to make sure everyone’s fed and clean,” says Chris.
“We’d all love six weeks off to lie on the sofa and do nothing, so when your child doesn’t seem to appreciate the break, it can really grate. But boredom isn’t bad – it’s a developmental signal. Kids don’t have the same executive function as adults. They often want to be engaged, but don’t know how to start. Dismissing that with a snappy comment can lead to frustration, tantrums and a whole afternoon of sulking – for both of you.”
So, what should you not say when your child announces they’re bored for the fifth time that day? Chris shares his top offenders – and what to do instead.
- “Only boring people get bored.”
This phrase might roll off the tongue, but it can knock a child’s confidence without offering any actual solution. Kids interpret this as “you’re the problem”, which doesn’t help them work out what to do next. It also teaches them to feel ashamed of being bored – which can backfire when they avoid expressing their feelings next time.
Top tip: Instead of shutting them down, ask open questions like, “What kind of thing would feel fun right now – something active or something chilled?” This shows you’re listening and can help them start narrowing down options on their own.
- “When I was your age, we just got on with it.”
Nostalgia might make it feel like you entertained yourself effortlessly as a kid, but this kind of statement just puts distance between you and your child. It doesn’t help them learn how to actually get on with it, and it can come across as dismissive. They’re living in a different world – with different expectations, distractions, and pressures.
Top tip: Try sharing a specific story instead. “I remember once I was so bored I built a den out of sofa cushions and lived in it for a whole afternoon.” That turns it into inspiration rather than comparison – and can get them thinking creatively.
- “Go and play with your toys, then.”
This one seems logical – they have toys, they’re bored, problem solved. But when a child’s bored, they often don’t see their environment clearly. What feels like an exciting toy to you may have lost its spark to them. They may not know how to re-engage with it without a prompt.
Top tip: Set a tiny challenge. “Pick two things from the toy box and turn them into a game.” That little spark of direction can kickstart their imagination.
- “I’m not your entertainer.”
Of course you’re not. But saying this out loud can sound cold, and it might lead them to think they’re being a burden by coming to you at all. Kids need to learn to be self-sufficient without being made to feel like they’re annoying.
Top tip: Give them a “starter kit” for self-directed play. This could be a creative prompt, a mini activity station, or a short list of ideas they can try before asking for help. The goal isn’t to leave them alone – it’s to help them build independence without resentment.
- “You’ve got a million things to do – go and do one of them.”
Overwhelming a bored child with vague choice is like handing someone a library and saying “read a book.” The brain freezes. Too many options can feel paralysing rather than empowering – especially for younger children.
Top tip: Try offering two or three choices instead. “You could paint, play in the garden, or build something with Lego – which do you fancy?” Giving structure to the decision-making makes it easier for them to get started.
- “Try being an adult with bills and a job – that’s something to complain about.”
This one might be cathartic to say, but it puts adult worries on small shoulders. Kids aren’t emotionally equipped to process the weight of adult stress, and making them feel guilty for being children can create anxiety.
Top tip: Acknowledge their boredom without minimising your own workload. “I know it’s hard being stuck at home – I’ve got lots on too, so let’s both take 10 minutes to do something fun and meet back after.” It fosters empathy, not resentment.
- “Fine, go on your tablet then.”
This is the classic peace-keeping move – and sometimes, yes, it’s fine. But if it becomes the go-to boredom buster, you’re training your child to associate “bored” with “screen”. That’s a quick fix, not a long-term skill.
Top tip: Create a “screen sandwich” – 20 minutes of something creative or active, followed by screen time, then a short check-in or shared activity afterwards. This teaches balance without turning the tablet into a forbidden fruit or a constant crutch.
So the next time your child groans “I’m bored”, remember – your reaction sets the tone. Skip the sarcastic comebacks and