Yesterday, I took my kids bowling to get the most out of "Kids Bowl Free" (not too late to sign up!) when my 11-year-old was "soooo bored." Let me tell you, bowling is not my sport. I bowled a 47! But ya know what is my favorite sport?
Seeing my son beat me!
Today's tip is about rethinking boredom and introducing you to an inspiring change-maker in my community.
1. Responding to Bored Children
After too much "electronic babysitter" on Sunday, I told my 11-year-old son it was time to get off screens for the day. He proceeded to lie on the couch and complain about how bored he was. Sound familiar?
But instead of telling him to find something to do, or criticizing him for being addicted to screens, or offering to play with him, I said this:
"I don't think you're bored. I think you're lonely. I've been ignoring you most of the day, and now that you're off screens, I'm cleaning the kitchen and your brothers are ignoring you too."
He agreed! So I kept going. I said:
"When people say they're bored, usually they mean something else. It might mean they're lonely, or it could mean something is hard for them. Like right now, it's hard for you to transition from screens to finding something to do, which makes perfect sense."
At some point, my oldest said, "This conversation is boring. Can we just go bowling?" and the rest is history.
The next time your child complains of boredom, help them name the feeling underneath it.
Teaching kids to think deeply about themselves is a gift to everyone, especially when it comes to boredom!
2. Introducing Zach Watson, Recovering Manchild
I'm excited to host Zach Watson in my VIP Group Coaching Program this week for moms of boys (reply if interested!). I met Zach at a conference and we immediately knew we shared a mission:
To transform how boys and men are conditioned to show up in the world.
Zach is an "Invisible Labor Coach" who trains men and couples to define, differentiate, and share the mental load and emotional labor of parenting.
He creates spot on, highly relatable videos for his social media following.
If you're a parent carrying the mental load and emotional labor for your family, prepare for his content to strike a lot of chords.
The first video I watched showed Zach realizing, after the fact, that it was unfair to ask his wife, "Are these freshly baked muffins still too hot to give our daughter?" ...as if he couldn't figure that out for himself.
He shares these aha moments so authentically. Here's a great example about all that's involved in refilling the hand soap. Who would have thought?
Zach was sweet enough to make a special YouTube Video for Two Tip Tuesday subscribers!
See you next week!
❤️ Rachel
P.S. If you have a tip or resource you'd like me to share with Two Tip Tuesday subscribers, send me a message here.
P.P.S. If you have a friend that would love these tips, please send them to my website. They can sign up at the bottom of the homepage: www.sklarparenting.com
Comments