Go Ask Mom

6 tips to keep a bored teen busy

Keeping them busy at 2 is a heck of lot easier than at 13.

Posted Updated

By
Joelene Wolfe
, WRAL contributor

When I was knee deep in diapers, formula and onesies, I couldn’t wait for my kids to be older. I dreamed of the day when they could clean, feed and dress themselves! No more sitting on the floor for hours trying to entertain them. Wouldn’t that be amazing?

Then before I knew it, poof, they were teenagers. Just like that. Finally, a little reprieve.

If you have a teen, I am sure that you just cringed a little and can relate. They may be bigger but so are their wants and needs and cost of everything. What I didn’t realize when I was hoping for better times way back when was that keeping them busy at 2 is a heck of lot easier than at 13.

I found myself going crazy trying to keep them busy. We all know that there is nothing worse than a bored teen.

Despite how many extracurricular activities - sports and classes we try to keep them busy and out of trouble, they always get bored at some point.

So as parents one of best defenses is to have an arsenal of things to answer when they say the dreaded words - Mom…I am bored.

My kids have even gotten bored when their friends are over.

What do you do?

I can hear it now,

Teen: “Mom I’m bored.”
Mom: “Okay let me give you some chores.”
Teen: “No! Not that bored.”
Mom: “Read a book.”
Teen: "What! I don’t want homework.”
Mom: “Okay then. Invite a friend over.”
Teen: “They’re all busy.”
(Doing chores most likely).
Mom: “I don’t know to tell you.”

Then the teen goes off to the fridge and stars into space as if something is going to grow in there.

Have you had this conversation? Please tell me you have.

The only plus in this scenario is that thankfully that ridiculous conversation killed 5 minutes of their boredom. The bad news is that as a busy parent I can’t get that 5 minutes back.

So here are a few ideas on things that I used to keep my teens busy:

  • Suggest small very specific tasks versus large general ones
    • If I ask for help with dinner, I get a resounding “Ewww, no.” If I ask them to cut up an onion into tiny little pieces, I’ll get a raise of an eyebrow which is a good first step.
    • If I suggest helping with laundry, that may seem overwhelming. BUT if I ask for something more specific like folding the towels and putting them away, that sometimes works.
    • NOW not all kids are created equal. So ask with that caveat in mind.
  • If they’re bored and you can spare the time, do an activity together. That’s always something that is great too. Anything creative, sports-related, walking the dog, throwing a Frisbee, planting in the garden. Anything just you and them.
  • Have them explore something new. Have them investigate an online class, download a language app or pick up a paint brush. Help them think for themselves.
  • Give them a little freedom - just enough to make them feel good and kill that extra time. For example: walking the dog, washing the car, making dinner, or volunteering with a local organization.
  • Preempt the boredom - Have them write 10 things down on pieces of paper that they want to do the next time they have downtime. Then when they are looking for something to do, have them pick one and do it. If they don’t like it, it’s on them. You’re off the hook. Win-win.
  • Lastly and my favorite – Give them a job or have them get a job where they are paid (dog walking, babysitting, mowing, shoveling). Maybe you can even tag team with a neighbor. I’ll take your kids and you take mine. It teaches responsibility but when they make a little cash. they feel more adult.
  • After you’ve had a teen, you realize that the diaper and formula stage may not be so bad. So, the next time, they have a little downtime and are looking to be occupied, take a breath, and consult your new list of ideas. Let me know how it goes. Good luck!

    Help another mamma out, comment to share your favorite tip.

    Joelene Wolfe is a mom, actor, writer & marketer who recently moved to the Triangle from the NY/NJ area. She strives to live every day to the fullest and really enjoys helping others do the same. For the record, she never gets tired of being serenaded with the song, Jolene.

You can follow Joelene on Instagram @joeyinthetriangle
    Joelene Wolfe is a mom, actor, writer & marketer who recently moved to the Triangle from the NY/NJ area. She strives to live every day to the fullest and really enjoys helping others do the same. For the record, she never gets tired of being serenaded with the song, Jolene. You can follow Joelene on Instagram @joeyinthetriangle

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