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Yes, it is OK and even healthy for kids to experience boredom, but there are those days when it is a real struggle. Maybe you are in the dog days of July, or day three of a blizzard; the fun has worn off, and the kids are struggling.

Letting them wrestle with it can lead to fun new invented activities, or lead them to pull out an old forgotten favorite game, but after a while, the whiny, pouting child becomes annoying, and you know that if you could just get them pointed in the right direction, they would be able to be entrenched in a new endeavor.

Here are a few ideas to keep in your parenting toolbox for such an occasion…

Try out a drawing tutorial on YouTube.

Get out a few games, and let the kids mix and match pieces and invent a new game. Or use an existing game in a new way.

Check out some how-to-books at the library, and learn a new craft.

Give the kids water and various sizes of paintbrushes to paint on the sidewalk. Once it dries, they can paint a new picture!

Create a secret code, and create messages to go back and forth, or send a secret message to a family member or friend. (Send the code so they can figure it out!

Print out the sign language alphabet, and practice spelling out words.

Let kids use a tool like a magnifying glass or measuring tape and let them explore.

Have them make a list for each other of 10 things to find in the house, then race to gather the items.

Write a book about a favorite family memory.

Write a letter to a favorite celebrity. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope, and wait for the reply. (You can look up where to send fan mail online.)

Put 10 random items in a bag, and see if kids can guess what they are without looking, but by feeling them. OR use the items to create a new invention.

Use junk mail to cut and paste letters into a fun sign for their bedroom door.

Looking for more ways to connect as a family? Check out these other posts:

Create a Kid-Friendly Happy Hour

Make the Vacation Memories Last With These 5 Unique Tips

Tips to Help Kids Stop Whining and Start Problem Solving

Minimize Kids Toys

Tips for Talking with Kids When Bad Things Happen in the News