How to engage a bored child? This question often arises among parents, and the simplest answer usually becomes a smartphone. The educational platform Mathema has gathered several alternative ways to entertain a child when they are bored. Here is a list of common activities that can help a child fight boredom while also developing various skills.
Board games.
Monopoly
“Monopoly” is a classic that not only tests your strategic skills but also allows you to become the owner of the best real estate assets. Many children enjoy this game and find it exciting, but most importantly, it develops logical thinking.
Chess
Chess is another game that requires thorough planning. It may not appeal to all children, but everyone should try playing a few matches. Chess is a game for those who are ready to think several steps ahead, thus developing strategic thinking in children.
Sell If You Can
“Sell If You Can” is an intriguing game that requires trading and negotiation skills. Players choose their strategies for selling, buying, and maneuvering in the market to achieve maximum success. The game can be played by 3 to 8 people, making it a great way to spend time with family and entertain children.
Pick a hobby
There are many hobbies that can interest and entertain a child. Everyone’s interests are individual, but here are a few simple directions to help choose a hobby.
Sports
Sports are not only fun but also incredibly beneficial for children’s health. Feel the adrenaline rush during a game of soccer, basketball, or swimming. Sports teach children cooperation, endurance, and develop coordination.
Music
Give your child the opportunity to express themselves through music. Learning to play musical instruments or sing helps develop motor skills and creativity. Music teaches discipline and coordination.
Olympiad math problems
Mathematics is also a game. Engage your child with Olympiad math problems to develop their analytical mind and logical thinking. By solving non-standard tasks, children not only improve their mathematical abilities but also develop a talent for solving complex problems.
Word Games
Alias
This is a game where players try to explain as many words as possible without using the word itself within a time limit. There are smartphone apps that already have word lists and can track time. Download such a game, familiarize yourself with the simple rules, and play together with your child. Alias helps increase vocabulary.
What Fits in a Three-Liter Jar
Players choose a letter of the alphabet, such as “K,” and take turns naming as many items as possible that start with that letter. The only condition is that the item must fit in a three-liter jar. For example, “key,” “coin,” or “ice cube.”
Construction Sets
Construction sets are not just toys but real tools for developing various aspects of a child’s intellect. They promote logical thinking, imagination, and creativity. Structures built by hand inspire children to explore and solve problems. The variety of construction sets allows you to choose the one that interests your child the most. There are themed sets, such as “Pirate Ship” or “Space Rocket.”
This is also an excellent way to spend time together as a family. Building projects together teaches children cooperation, communication, and problem-solving. Instead of smartphone screens, children receive a colorful world where everyone can contribute.
Puzzles
The world of puzzles is limitless in its diversity. From simple drawings for toddlers to complex three-dimensional puzzles for older children, everyone finds something to their liking. A puzzle is a task that requires the use of logic and the development of spatial thinking. Children observe, compare, and select pieces, activating their intellectual abilities.
Watching Classic Movies
Classic movies, such as “Harry Potter,” “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” or “WALL-E,” often carry important life lessons and values. Children can learn moral principles, understand the importance of friendship, loyalty, and tolerance. Many classic films are created with great imagination and creativity. Watching masterpieces of cinematography teaches children to imagine and create their own stories.
Many classic films are based on well-known literary works. Watching such films can stimulate an interest in reading and language study. By analyzing plots and characters in classic films, children can develop critical thinking, understand cause-and-effect relationships, and evaluate characters’ actions.
