“I’m Bored!” — Why That’s the Best Thing Your Toddler Can Say

Yes, same here.

It’s such a familiar cry—“I’m bored!” “I don’t want to do it!” You’ve planned the activity, set everything up, tried your best… and yet, your toddler looks unimpressed and uninterested. We’ve been there too.

But here’s the twist: being bored isn’t a bad thing. In fact, boredom is essential for developing imagination and problem-solving skills. Research from the University of East Anglia highlights how boredom can boost creativity in children. It gives their brains the space to wander, dream, and invent—key skills for lifelong learning.

So how do we make peace with boredom and even use it to our advantage?

Top 5 Tips for Turning Boredom into Brilliance:

1. Don’t rush to fill the silence – Let them be bored. It’s uncomfortable, but that’s where creativity begins.

2. Create a ‘Boredom Box’ – Fill it with open-ended toys or random safe household items that spark curiosity.

3. Rotate toys – Hide some toys and swap them weekly to make old things feel new.

4. Name the feeling – Help them say, “I feel bored,” and talk about what they might want to do next.

5. Model creative boredom – Show them you also find ways to entertain yourself without screens or structure.

So next time you hear, “I’m bored,” try smiling. It might just be the beginning of something brilliant.

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