Boredom is a warning that things may be out of balance in our lives. There are so many choices for children these days that it is hard for parents to imagine a lack of excitement. By the time a child enters the middle school years, they have worked hard to establish predictability and control; however, this is usually the time when a child complains about boredom.

Boredom by definition suggests a state of weariness brought on by dullness, repetition or tediousness.

The key to solving the boredom dilemma is to help the child become more resourceful.

1. Start by letting your child know you understand and you want to talk about it. Pick a time when you are both relaxed and will not be interrupted. In a caring, non-judgmental way encourage the child to explain the specifics of why they feel bored. It is important that you not dismiss the child's complaint, but acknowledge the feelings and begin to work on alternatives together.

2. Resist the temptation to come up with a fancy activity or present; the child then becomes dependent on you instead of resources of their own. Explain that boredom is a choice one makes, then examine the possibilities and encourage the child to choose one.

3. Promote resourcefulness by: helping the child to value his/her own company and praise them when this occurs; respect a child's independence when they wish to try something on their own - help only when they become frustrated or ask for help and praise them for trying.

4. Show your child that you value their opinions and thoughts by asking their opinions on subjects important to the family.

5. Avoid keeping the child busy every single minute - a child needs to develop the capacity to be alone with their thoughts and feelings.

6. Cooperative planning is very important. Ask the child what might be fun to do; once the decision is made, perhaps you can make some decisions or provide props to help the child along.

7. Introduce your child to projects you can work on together, (puzzles, gardens,).

8. Expanding the kinds of activities helps prolong a child's interest.

9. Encourage thinking of things that can be made as gifts, writing to a friend or relative; have them plan a dinner - checking for supplies and ingredients needed.

10. Encourage the child to invest in friendships.

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