Creating an 'I'm bored!' jar
Simple ideas to help children who are bored, using art and play
Ah, the infamous phrase that instills fear into the hearts of parents everywhere: "I'm bored!" This post will take you through making a bored jar, ready for when boredom strikes.
Write the following suggestions on lollipop sticks or bits of paper and pop them in a jar. I’ve noted any resources that can be helpful to have handy at home. Tip - try to avoid offering things that need lots of resources and cause stress to set up - keep it simple.
Build a den/fort - blankets, pegs, material, battery-powered fairy lights
DIY Spa - Create your own spa with face masks, eye packs, material headbands, and a container to soak your feet in.
Movie - popcorn and blankets
Make a mug cake - small quantities of cake ingredients + a mug + a microwave
Arts and crafts - paper, glue, scissors, coloured pencils, stickers
Board game tournament - gather your favourite board games
Puzzle time - jigsaw puzzles or brain teasers
Dance party - create a playlist of favourite songs
Indoor picnic - blanket, a bag to pack lunch in
Encourage your children to decorate the jar and make suggestions of things they like to do. This can help them feel like they own the jar too.
Boredom is a natural part of life, and it can be a catalyst for creativity and self-discovery. By using the boredom jar, we are encouraging children to find their own way of managing boredom. By exploring different suggestions, they are using imagination and problem-solving skills. Boredom can be a valuable opportunity to unlock their inner resources. Have fun making a bored jar that is unique to your family.