| | | | Some Fun Activities for the Bored Teenager in Your Life |
By Bonnie Conrad 
Contrary to the beliefs of many a teenager, there is more to do than watch TV and play video games. Encouraging teens to get up off the couch or leave the computer can be a Herculean task at times, but it is important for parents to try their best. Getting teens active and interested in the wider world is good for their health, both mental and physical. So the next time the teen in your life complains there is nothing to do, consider these fun alternatives to another day spent in front of the television set.
- Take up an instrument. Playing guitar, drums or another instrument can be great for a teenager’s self esteem, coordination and confidence.
- Play a good old fashioned board game. Yes, even in today’s video saturated world, board games still exist, and they can be a great way to while away a boring afternoon. Try playing one of the many specialty versions of Monopoly, or a brain teasing game of Scrabble.
- Have the teen write a letter to a friend or relative. Even in the world of email and instant messaging, letters still exist, and the personal touch they provide will be welcome long after that last email has been deleted.
- Take some photographs of things around the house, or around the neighborhood. Photography can be a great hobby, and digital photography gives budding artists an opportunity to experiment with different lighting and different formats.
- Exercise and work out to their favorite music. Exercise is a great way to clear the mind and strengthen the body. Nothing can kill boredom quite as fast as a job around the neighborhood or some crunches in the living room.
- Play a pick up game of baseball, football or soccer. In previous generations sports was not as structured, and pickup games popped up all the time. Bring back the old days by getting friends together for some friendly competition.
- Help around the house. Of course this is not high on most teens list of fun things to do, but learning to help out with daily and weekly chores is a great way to build character (and muscles). Take that garbage out to the curb, wash the clothes or just pick up the clothes lying about on the floor.
- Volunteer for a local charity. Volunteering builds a sense of purpose in young people, and getting teens interested in the world around them can have lifelong benefits. If you are not sure where to start, try your church, or a local civic organization. These types of places are always looking for reliable volunteers.
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Are you really saying everything on that list is boring? Surely there must be something you would like to do? What do you do in your spare time now then?
jonnyjonny_uk
Wow...actually when I was kid, and this is the God's honest truth...I did clean for fun. I was really young, but it was a blast. I also worked out with my Dad from the time I was eight years old. Some of my best childhood memories were swimming with him at the YMCA and shooting hoops in the backyard. He used to also help me practice my freethrow at the gym and lift weights with me. Luckily, Sam, you may speak for yourself, and maybe even the majority...but thankfully you don't speak for me. Life is what you make of it, and time with your folks won't last forever. Clean a little, exercise a little and think of them first, just for a bit, and see how you feel. I'm not saying we got along perfectly, or that we did that every day, but to say it's lame or OMG is sad. Sometimes there is more to life than what you want to do, sometimes we do things that don't appear to be fun...and they turn out to be the foundation of our youth.
ChristineB
Thats sad. I know lots of parents who still do things with their kids.
ChristineB
You are right, Christine, that is sad. Perhaps if more parents spent more time with their children then children will turn out a little better.
SCMOM
perhaps people could suggest ideas instead of bashing ones others took the time to suggest....or is that lame too?
ChristineB
good luck with that question. Looks like I asked it back in December....still waiting.....
ChristineB
right on! [:D]
ChristineB
I wish I could say I even knew what that meant. If you are saying don't have a life, thats funny. I have one of traveling, protecting the coast, raising a child, freelance writing (and being published), doing volunteer work and working a full time job.
I hope someday the kids that don't have the benefit of the great childhood I had, helping my folks, and thinking of others, can one day look back and say the same, or more.
So, "guess" I hope you can say you offer something...other than negativity to a society that needs role models, and inspiration instead of comments from those to lazy to make a difference.
ChristineB
Hmm...well I can definitely remember being 17-18 ish as it wasn't that long ago and one thing keeps popping up into my mind. I hate to say it because I do know that even though it's not that long ago, times have changed. I will give you the quote though because it is so obvious. I think George Carlin said it but don't quote me on that...anyways..he said only boring people get bored. Take that for what it's worth but at 17ish age I can say I was NEVER bored. NEVER! I almost never watched movies, or did much of anything really but things were fun.
I guess I'm confused. When I was that age hanging with friends watching stupid movies, or going for long hikes, bike rides or playing cards was fun. We did lots of fun things like going to different places...every little bit of traveling we could afford..even if it was for a day or an hour.
I also worked alot, and had friends work with me. Now I'm not going to be soap boxey and say we didn't drink, we did, but we enjoyed the company of friends and even then, knew those times would be gone soon...even in days/months.
Is it not enough to enjoy your freedom now..knowing it will be over soon and the real world is coming at the speed of light? it's not what you do to pass the time I guess, it's who you spend your time with and the realization that that time that seems endless now will be over run by responsibilities of huge magnitude. Appreciate the advice of those that have been there....slow down, just be, and enjoy the company of those who may not be around as long as you, physically or geographically.
Make sense? Any sense at all?
ChristineB
Lol, but kids do everything else because someone, soemwhere told them to right? Isn't that what influence and peer pressure are? So why not in a positive way? Is it so far fetched that influences on the internet and personally can only be negative? If so, thats pretty sad. I admit cleaning is well, maybe a bit lame, but for younger kids its a pretty game.
Again, I say...if it's lame, what are your suggestions??
ChristineB
Hey MIchelley,I think we grew up in the same neighborhood! LOL! ...and BoredTenn is awesome!!! [:D]
ChristineB
Then what? Hike, fish, rock climb, quad, take pictures, read, journal, take up a hobby! I would give my left leg to live in the boondox, now and then!
ChristineB
Again, only boring people get bored....
and good for you Trevor! [:)]
ChristineB
hmmm....sorry to hear your tone Amanda. I gave up responding to phrases like "listen up' years ago...I can't speak for everyone but I will say if this space has occupied some of your boring time it's probably best not to offend those who are trying to help with ideas, suggestions...
ChristineB
Teenagers are supposed to be bored with life, they think they are just waiting around until they become adults and life is exciting. Let's face it, if they aren't with their friends they often think they are bored. All the more reason to shake them awake and keep them engaged in the family anyway - even if they say they don't want to. Play board games (really, monopoly is still a great game - get their competitive spirit going), do family bowling night, swim, ride bikes - it doesn't matter what you do. Keeping them engaged (even if they pretend to hate every minute) will pull them out of their teenage slump years earlier than letting them wallow in it. If they keep it up, make them get a job (mother's helper, mow lawns or volunteer at a local hospital (which my mom did to me and was very effective to improve my attitude at home). Sitting in front of the computer can not be an all day option, that's a reward for participating in life first. Good luck.
edonovan
Granted I grew up in a small sized city, not the boonies but I was NEVER bored. I put some thought into why and I came up with two reasons...perhaps this will help Amanda and others...
1) I worked all the time! ALL the time! I worked and worked since age 16.
2) when I wasn't working, which was almost never, I had a long list of things that needed to be done.
I am seriously starting to think tennagers are lazy....who had time to have the luxury of being bored? None of my friends that's for sure.
If you have THAT much extra time..get a job....save some money and go to college.....
ChristineB
can you give me an example?
ChristineB
LOL! Thanks Vivian for your honesty! I agree chores are not my fave either, but still, like most things we dislike, they still have to get done. With that being said all we can do is make a game out of them or try to make them fun.
Writing letters is also tough, no argument. I did try this though. I wrote (and by that I mean typed in Word) a letter to someone I as angry with. I never sent it, and had no intention of sending it, but you know what? It was great! I loved it. It may sound corny but I felt better afterwards and I guess that's all that matters right?
ChristineB
All I can say is enjoy your boredom now. Love it, embrace it and never forget it. Within a very short time I can guarantee you'll never be bored again. I would give anything to be bored. ...just for 5 minutes even!
ChristineB
how old do you need to be to work out there, Dan? I think it's great that you are inspired to be sulf sufficient and independant! can you work as an apprentice some where? even if you can't be paid for it, it will kill some of your time and you may enjoy it.
and I have to say thank you, for not coming and bashing all the ideas because it's just not what you WANT to do. you seem pretty mature for 14 [:'(]
dianerene
Yeah, okay. I admit, taking pictures is fun and I love it. Doing housework, its good to do but I wouldnt consider it something to do when your bored, unless you like that kind of stuff. Writing letters is only good when you have something to say. The instrument thing os good too, for whomever likes that sort of thing. Bpard games can be fun on like family fun night or something. But what about stuff to do with your friends. Me and my best friend live in a really small town and when we first becam friends we had a load of stuff to do. We went walking all over the place. We went out to eat, we went backyard camping, we made videos, we went shopping, we went to every park in out city, we went swimming in the lake in summer, we went around acting crazy, and all sorts of things. But we have run out of ideas from using them all. we even bought a ouija board and had some fun with that. We always go to the library. Its boring. I dont know what else to do around here! If you have any ideas please tell me! If not, maybe I gave somebody else some ideas from saying those examples of stuff we did!
Miranda 13
AquaNature10
Remember the old saying, only boring people get bored. I have used that many times in my life to help me find something to keep busy. There really is no magic wand to make you turn activites into fun if you are feeling bored. Accomplish something, get moving and just feel good about not lazing around all day.
The first step to not being bored is to move, take a walk, clean, do something....
ChristineB
Now that is funny![:)]
ChristineB
I have one idea for teens, now i know not all will enjoy this , mostly guys but why not get your teens involved with exercising horses at a local ranch, or helping out there, i know alot of horse ranches and horse farms enjoy having the help during the summer, by grooming the horses, riding some of them or cleaning up the barns and so on. also there are some vets who like to have teens along with them to help out during the summer, going on calls and helping around the vet offices and so on. Just a thought. :)
lynne
Awesome idea Lynne!!!! [:)]
ChristineB
Contrary to the beliefs of many a teenager, there is more to do than watch TV and play video games. Encouraging teens to get up off the couch or leave the computer can be a Herculean task at times, but it is important for parents to try their best.
Some Fun Activities for the Bored Teenager in Your Life
http://articles.familylobby.com/334-Some-Fun-Activities-for-the-Bored-Teenager-in-Your-Life.htm
oh, ya, like some of us can do that.ever think that you could live in the country with parents that are ALWAYS busy? and your not yet old enough to drive, how would you expect us to do then?What if your friends are not the greatest of freinds, and don't like you enought to have to ave there parents of older siblings drive them ALL the way to your house, and it's to far to bike, bought ten miles or so. Lubycube 14
Lubycube 14
that was 4 Lynne's idea. Lubycube 14 years old
Lubycube
I second that!!!
ChristineB
u 2nd what?
bitterbutt
wow i agrreee wid lubycube. cleaning? are you kidding me?
me
i play an instrument but that dosent help with me and being bored. I am not borin either! but i dont no wat 2 do
yayaya
wow yayaya u r soo random
JJ
i feel so alone....ummm wat r u talking about who am i who r u where am i wat am i doing help me!!
......
I don't remember what I seconded, sorry. It's very hard to follow the conversation with the spelling that is being used. It would make it alot easier if a couple seconds were taken to make sure all or most words were spelled right, or even close..makes it easier to follow the flow.
ChristineB
hey
7
umm yea
...........
this is a boring web site..im a teen and im bored...this is no entertainment!!
bored teen
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