What is your quick answer to “Mom I am bored”?

“Mom I am bored” is an anthem that will be sung throughout many households over the next few weeks of winter break. Have you already heard it at yours? Just as much as we look forward to a break from school or work, we dread hearing the “I am bored” phrase that is sure to pop up within hours or days. Here are 15 answers to Mom I am bored, whether you are mom, dad, grandma, or babysitter. You can skim the blog post titles and click on the ones that fit your situation. A little boredom never hurts, but reading these ahead of time will help you have an answer for school break boredom when the question comes.

If you are new to my blog, here is how I reference the different stages of childhood.

Younger years: babies and preschool

Middle years: elementary and middle school

Launching years: high school and college
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​https://www.tailorjoy.com/2023/07/04/10-ideas-for-indoor-fun-on-hot-or-rainy-days/​

​https://www.tailorjoy.com/2022/03/21/digital-escape-rooms/​

​https://www.tailorjoy.com/2021/08/24/chore-charts/​

​https://www.tailorjoy.com/2023/09/19/10-reading-questions-to-ask-your-child/​

​https://www.tailorjoy.com/2023/02/21/home-for-the-holidays/​

​https://www.tailorjoy.com/2022/11/15/four-in-a-row-game-board/​

​https://www.tailorjoy.com/2022/09/20/20-read-aloud-books-for-the-middle-years/​

​https://www.tailorjoy.com/2022/02/08/table-talk-2/​

​https://www.tailorjoy.com/2022/01/18/product-review-youscience-aptitude-discovery/​

​https://www.tailorjoy.com/2021/09/14/10-life-skills-for-the-launching-years/​

​https://www.tailorjoy.com/2021/07/06/the-middle-years-calming-the-chaos/​

​https://www.tailorjoy.com/2021/05/25/smooth-transitions-from-college-to-home/​

​https://www.tailorjoy.com/2021/05/04/math-conversations-with-preschoolers/​

​https://www.tailorjoy.com/2021/03/02/prek-play-makes-learning-fun/​

​https://www.tailorjoy.com/2021/01/19/learn-to-say-yes/​

Bonus- Download this printable list of waiting games and put it in your car or backpack. Having a few quick ideas of ways to engage your kids in games or conversations will help you avoid “Mom, I am bored” when you are out and about. https://www.tailorjoy.com/2021/03/09/waiting-games​

There are many creative ways to interact with children during school breaks including extended conversations, playing games, visiting libraries, volunteering together, and learning to say yes to their ideas when possible. May these ideas help you smile more and sigh less as you enjoy time together. Share this post with another parent or nanny who could use some fresh ideas. https://www.tailorjoy.com/2023/12/19/15-answers-to-mom-i-am-bored/​

Table Talk: Which blog post was especially helpful for you? What other suggestions do you have for boredom during school breaks?