"I'm Bored!" - What To Do When Your Child Says It (Without Handing Them A Screen)

Boredom is an opportunity to exercise your imagination

They might be the two most dreaded words any parent can hear from their kids:

“I’m bored!”

When your child hits you with that line, it’s easy to feel immediate pressure to solve the problem — especially if you’re in the middle of something important and can’t stop everything to entertain them.

It’s a very common (and often frustrating) moment for today’s parents — especially in a world overflowing with screens and digital distractions. The temptation to hand over a tablet or phone is strong. After all, it works — they’re happy and content, at least for a little while.

But here’s the question: Are we missing a great opportunity to teach them something more valuable?

The Trouble With Screens

Electronics can seem like the perfect fix. Phones and tablets are filled with educational apps for math, reading, and problem-solving. But let’s be honest — kids usually end up on games that are designed to keep them playing… and playing… and playing.

And the longer they play, the more we start to see the downside:

• Overstimulation

• Decreased attention span

• Reduced physical activity

Ironically, too much screen time can lead to more boredom in the long run. Screens are easy. But they’re not always what our kids truly need.

Boredom Isn't Bad - It's The Launchpad For Growth

If “necessity is the mother of invention,” then “boredom is the father of imagination.”

When my daughters were younger and came to me saying they were bored, my default response was often:

“That’s too bad.”

And then I carried on with what I was doing. Almost every time, within 10 minutes, they found something to do — and it usually involved their imagination in ways neither of us had considered before.

Boredom isn’t a problem to fix. It’s an opportunity to spark creativity, resilience, and independent thinking — skills that serve our kids now and for years to come.

Screen-Free Alternatives That Work

Sometimes, though, kids need a little help getting started. If mine kept coming back for suggestions, I’d offer a few launching points — activities that could fire up their imagination and keep them engaged.

Here are some screen-free ideas that worked in our house:

• Read a book — together when they were younger, then independently as they grew

• Build something — LEGO, forts, cardboard inventions

• Draw or do crafts — we kept a “craft box” full of beads, glue, felt, and string

• Cook or help with chores — kids love being helpful when you give them ownership

• Play outside — nature walks, bike rides, playground “missions”

• Write stories or comics — creativity doesn’t need a device

• Practice a skill or hobby — musical instruments, puzzles, or… karate!

Many of these ideas became quality time together. And sometimes, I’d let them take the lead — letting them “teach” me something they’d learned.

Why Karate Is The Ultimate Boredom Buster

There are a lot of sports and activities available for kids — and many families have packed schedules. But karate offers something different. It goes far beyond “keeping them busy.”

Here’s why karate is one of the most valuable screen-free activities for kids:

• It’s physical — kids burn energy in a focused, healthy way

• It’s structured — the routine helps reduce stress and builds confidence

• It teaches goal-setting — earning belts gives them milestones to work toward

• It builds life skills — focus, discipline, perseverance, respect

• It boosts confidence — especially through learning self-defence

• It’s social — kids train together in a positive, encouraging environment

In my classes, I’ve seen hundreds of kids transform from distracted or disinterested to driven and focused — all because they found a place where their energy and imagination had purpose.

Read more: Important Life Skills Your Child Will Gain From Karate

Final Thought: Help Them Choose Challenge Over Comfort

Boredom is part of childhood — and that’s okay. When we stop trying to eliminate it, we start seeing it for what it really is: a doorway to growth.

Whether it’s building something at home or stepping onto the dojo floor, kids are more capable than we often give them credit for. And when they’re part of something like a martial arts school — surrounded by structure, encouragement, and challenges — they start to build real confidence from the inside out.

So the next time you hear “I’m bored,” take a breath.

You might be one good choice away from watching your child grow into something greater.

Scott Bullard began his martial arts education while studying to become a chemical engineer. A career change lead to realizing his dream of opening his own karate school. After 35 years of teaching in Vaughan, Scott has helped thousands of kids and adults enjoy the benefits of training in the martial arts. He is a 6th Degree Black Belt in Karate and Shihan/Master Instructor at Canada's Best Karate.