The dreaded phrase “I’m bored!”

If you have children, spend time with children or ever find yourself alone with a child, this is the one phrase that can shake you to your core; “I’m bored.” Usually, it is said with a drawling annoyed voice, and you have to fight back the roll of your own eyes because you know they have 9 million things they can play with, make or even clean up. The worst part of having to listen to the “I’m bored” whines is when you have already listed off half of those 9 million ideas, and they all get dismissed. That is why I came up with this solution and worked with my nanny kids to finish it together!

The Bored Ball

It isn’t actually a ball; it is a 20 sided die, an icosahedron. The original template is one I found at my local dollar store and created it with rainbow card stock because, well, that is what my five and 7-year-old nanny kids liked. I cut the papers and used a glue stick to put them all together. Then my nanny kids thought up 16 things they could do independently and with little setup. Yes, they came up with 16, NOT 20, why you ask? Well, those last four ideas are the things that they never wanted to do, but they should, like, the act of kindness, clean up the dolls ( we always had dolls everywhere ), practice their instrument, and of course, the oldie but goody, Be Bored!
Being bored might sound like a cop-out, but it really worked for us; it caused them to think beyond the suggestions, try something not listed, and even take a rest by lying on the floor!

Since the kids had a hand in picking out their boredom-solving activities, they actually didn’t mind using it, nor did they mind me reminding them to roll it when the inevitable “I’m bored” started. Hopefully, this will help you with your littles too!

How to make this clever die:

We made 4-inch equilateral triangles with paper tabs overhanging the edge ( that is where you place the glue), then follow the diagram below for structure, and when what you have matches, fold tab “A” and glue to the back of the triangle marked with the letter “B.”

Bored Ball suggestions
-Play Outside
-Act of Kindness
-Build a Fort
-Draw on the Chalkboard
-Hula Hoop
-Build a Puzzle
-Read a Book
-Write a Story
-Draw a picture of … ( Mom, Dad, School, Home, Dream Day, Pet, etc.)
-Practice an Instrument
-Clean up Room
-Wash the Table
-Write a Letter
-Doll Fashion Show
-Be Bored

Have fun!
Respectfully yours,
Heather Poppins