If you have teenagers or even the emerging ones – the tweens – lurking around your home, you know the terror of teen boredom. It is akin to angst, ennui, and just being a teenager. It can also be incredibly frustrating for anyone in their immediate blast radius because everyone else has to listen to or be confronted by their words and actions that are not always very kind. Use these tactics to help gently guide your beloved teenager and help them stave off boredom and be happier.
Play a Game
Playing games is one of the best ways to beat boredom. Your teen can play a game alone on their smartphone or with their younger sibling and see who can win. One of the best games they, or anyone, can play is crossword. It is accessible and requires cognitive skills instead of passively scrolling through social media feeds on their phones. With crossword puzzles, your teen can play with their friends and challenge one another to see who can come up with more words. Even better – make it a daily activity.
Get Creative
Creativity is essential in life and an antithesis of boredom. Sometimes, boredom breeds creativity. When your teenager is left to their own devices with seemingly nothing to do, and you place a box of crafting supplies on a nearby table, you may be surprised at what happens next. Encourage their creativity by introducing them to the fibre arts, such as knitting and sewing. They can try their hand at the adorable amigurumi patterns and gift family and friends with the results. The sky’s the limit when it comes to being creative. Let your teen lead the way and see what they come up with.
Watch this video to learn about one teen’s perspective on why creativity is important in a teenager’s life.
Learn a New Skill
Having a teen in your family means endless moments of teaching and learning. As they grow up and into adulthood, there are so many things they need to know how to do. If you notice impending boredom, engage them with a fun and necessary life lesson. Everything from learning about finances and compounding interest to baking cookies is fair game. Whatever you choose, create a fun and memorable moment with your teen instead of making it seem like work.
Create a Fitness Goal
Teens tend to like goals. It is fun and energizing to beat something, especially when they are trying to challenge themselves to do better. Take running, for example. If your teen enjoys pounding the pavement, encourage them to track their routes with their smartphone or smartwatch. It should be noted that you do not want to encourage them to become overly obsessed about their body, appearance, or fitness metrics. You want this to be a fun way to move their bodies. Fitness, when done right, is something that can last a lifetime. Exercise is also a great way to maintain physical and mental health and relieve stress.
Get ready to help your favourite teenagers move from bored states into active ones. Give them the gift of engaging games, the time to be creative, and inspiration for a lifetime of physical activity. Whatever they choose, get behind them and be supportive. They will appreciate it more than you will ever know.
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