Susiej

Did I miss a class or something? I have no idea what to do with my boys all day. I know bored is good. In fact, my parenting guru says that whenever her boys would say, “I’m bored”, she would calmly answer, “I wonder what you’ll think of to do.” And there are plenty of books, The Overachievers: The Secret Lives of Driven Kids, to show us how important free time is to children today.

However, it’s a big house, and they’re falling into an easy routine of TV and video games — which isn’t really allowed, and requires constant monitoring on my behalf. Falling into the habit of TV and video games cuts off the opportunities that boredom brings, and prevents the gifts outlined in Power of Play. So, when that doesn’t work, one in particular, works to make life as miserable as he can for the rest of us. I know - imagine that.

The 3 and 5 year old are fine – they could play train, make-believe with their stuffed animals and pretend all day long – and they do.

But the 11 and 9 year old – I haven’t a clue. They can read. OK that takes 20 to 30 minutes. They’re tired of playing basketball. It’s too hot. They’re on swim team, that takes up an hour every morning. They could go to the pool – that takes two hours. But I don’t like them to go everyday, as they’re pretty fair skinned. They don’t like baseball, and suddenly, the idea of standing in the park throwing a ball back and forth does not appeal to them. They’ve cycled through all the sports like football, soccer lacrosse, throughout the school year, and they seem to want a break from all of that.

I’ve got some science books with cool experiments. Not even interested in looking – so if there any experiments, I’m going to be the one to take the initiative – but I never get to it because I’m always cleaning up some mess or other or making a meal – or washing some clothes. One likes to paint — so he’s been doing that. But it’s a constant struggle everyday for me to think of stuff to keep them off the TV.

In their earlier years, there really was never a shortage of things to do:

They’re boys. I’m not supposed to be hearing “I’m bored” coming out of their mouths. Right? The only thing they are truly interested in is video games on the computer and sitting in front of the TV.

I’m hoping things will get better when we go to the lake. At least when they’re at the lake, there will be more opportunities to explore in nature a little bit,

and we’ll have the space to do some of the things from the book, The Dangerous Book for Boys. But I’m worried – shouldn’t they have interests and hobbies? I’m searching through web sites and parenting magazines and books on Amazon for a solution. I can find tons of stuff, like Never-Bored Kid Book, Ages 4-5 and 365 Days Of Creative Play– but what do you do with pre-teens?!! You know, the ones who’s favorite word is “I’m bored.”

Maybe this is a gender thing. Is it because I’m a female and I can’t think of anything boys are interested in? So, I asked my brother. His advice? Just buy them a Wii. He always takes the easy way out.

No one else seems to be having this problem. Did I miss a class or something? Ideas and suggestions welcome. And let me know where I can sign up for that class I missed. Mary Poppins always made it look so easy.

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