Finding Purpose in Boredom How to Turn Downtime into Meaningful Moments

KC Broadhead
May 30
4 min read

Have you ever found yourself staring at a wall, feeling like your free time stretches before you like a vast desert? It's a pretty common feeling. You might catch yourself scrolling through your phone or flipping through TV channels, searching for something to do. For parents, this can be particularly concerning. Watching your child resort to distractions that don't align with your values can be frustrating.

In this blog post, we’ll unpack boredom and explore how to transform those idle moments into something meaningful.

The Boredom Struggle

Boredom often sneaks up on us at unexpected times—during summer breaks, weekends, or even after a long day at work. Personally, I remember those endless summer days in my childhood when the structured days at school gave way to unbridled freedom. While it felt thrilling at first, I quickly felt lost. Without a clear plan, I found myself caught in unproductive habits like mindless TV or gaming, leading to discouragement.

A study of 1,000 parents revealed that children reach peak boredom by August 1st during summer breaks. On average, kids complain about being bored five times a week, totaling 30 times over the six-week break (Link). It’s vital to find ways to address the void that boredom creates so that we can avoid these pitfalls.

Finding Passion in Creative Outlets

After finishing high school, I uncovered my love for writing. By allowing myself to experiment with building imaginative worlds through stories, something incredible happened. Writing became the outlet for my energy and creativity.

The Book of Mormon reminds us that 'by small and simple things are great things brought to pass' (Alma 37:6). Starting with simple creative endeavors can lead to significant personal development and fulfillment. Engaging in activities that spark our passions turns that feared downtime into a source of inspiration. Whether it’s writing, painting, or picking up a new hobby like photography, exploring interests can be life-changing. For example, According to a 2019 survey by Ipsos, 88% of adults who participate in creative activities say that successfully finishing a creative project brings them joy. Additionally, 68% wish they had more time to engage in creative pursuits. (Link)

The Impact of Unstructured Time on Children

As a parent, it’s natural to worry when your child seems bored, watching yet another episode of a show or endlessly scrolling through a tablet. This boredom can lead them down unproductive paths.

President Russell M. Nelson emphasized the importance of teaching children to make righteous choices, stating, 'Teach your children to avoid unclean thoughts, words, and deeds. Teach them to make choices based on gospel principles.' Guiding children to use their free time wisely aligns with this counsel. Instead of just pointing them toward pre-defined activities, encourage them to explore their creativity. Teach them to see their downtime as an opportunity to discover new interests rather than a dull void. By doing this, you're setting them up for a healthier relationship with their own time and encouraging self-disciplined exploration.

Activity Ideas to Explore During Downtime

Here are some enriching activity ideas you and your child can try out together:

Journaling or Creative Writing: Encourage your child to keep a journal to spark their imagination. Whether they're writing stories or daily reflections, this can help them discover a passion for writing.
Arts and Crafts: Gather some supplies and let your child’s creativity take the lead. From DIY projects to painting, crafting can transform free time into both tangible and satisfying creations.
Gardening: Teach your child about caring for plants. This activity instills a sense of responsibility while connecting them to nature. Watching seeds grow can give children a fulfilling sense of accomplishment.
Reading Together: Choose a book to share. Reading fuels the imagination and enhances critical thinking skills. Plus, it creates a wonderful bonding experience.
Exploring Nature: Encourage outdoor adventures such as hiking or walking in the park. Nature can inspire creativity and helps develop a sense of peace through its beauty.
Learning a New Skill Together: Why not tackle something new together? This could mean learning an instrument, trying a new recipe, or exploring coding. Engaging in a shared learning journey can strengthen your bond.

Eye-level view of colorful paints arranged in a creative workspace — Colorful paints ready for creative exploration.

Turning Boredom into Connecting Moments

Boredom should be seen as an opportunity for connection, not a source of stress. When your child expresses feelings of boredom, encourage them to talk about it. Ask open-ended questions like, “What have you always wanted to try?” or “What excites you right now?”

This dialogue helps your child articulate their feelings and fosters a sense of support. Moreover, it guides them toward activities that resonate better with their personal interests and values.

Embrace the Freedom of Boredom

Boredom is essentially a blank canvas, waiting for you to fill it with creativity and purpose. It invites exploration and the chance for self-discovery. By reframing these moments of idle time as opportunities, you can foster personal growth and strengthen family bonds.

As we navigate through life's busy schedules, remember the value of downtime. It's crucial for both children and adults to learn how to embrace unstructured time. This can spark creativity and promote deeper family connections.

Next time boredom strikes, think of it as a chance to explore, create, and connect. Some of life’s most rewarding experiences come from simply allowing ourselves to be still and finding what truly excites us.