“I’m bored!”

It’s a phrase most parents hear regularly.

And when we’re busy, tired or simply trying to get things done, it can be very tempting to reach for the easiest solution: a tablet, phone or TV.

But what if, instead of finding something to entertain our children, we gave them something to do?

One of the simplest screen-free parenting strategies I’ve discovered is surprisingly ordinary:

Give them a job.

Children don’t always need entertaining

We often think that keeping children occupied means finding them an activity.

A craft.

A game.

A trip out.

A new toy.

A book.

And while all of those things can be fantastic, sometimes children simply want to feel involved in what we're doing.

Young children are naturally curious. They want to copy us, help us and be part of everyday life.

So instead of thinking, “What can I give them to keep them busy?”, try asking:

“What can they help me with?”

The answer might be something incredibly simple.

Turn everyday chores into screen-free activities

Household jobs might not sound particularly exciting to us, but for a young child, they can be fascinating.

You could ask them to:

• 🧺 Put their clothes into the washing machine

• 👕 Help take clean clothes out of the washing machine

• 🌿 Water the plants

• 🥄 Help set the table

• 🥕 Help prepare simple food

• 🧸 Sort their toys

• 🧹 Help sweep the floor

• 📦 Help unpack the shopping

• 🐾 Help feed the family pet

• 🧦 Match socks from the laundry

Of course, the job needs to be age-appropriate and supervised where necessary.

And it probably won't be done perfectly.

But that's not really the point.

In our house, the washing has become a favourite

I've found this particularly noticeable with my three and four-year-olds.

They love helping with the washing.

They enjoy putting their own clothes into the washing machine and then, once the washing is finished, helping me get the clean clothes out.

They'll even help hang the clothes up to dry.

To me, it's just another household chore that needs doing.

To them, it's something they get to be involved in.

And there's something quite lovely about seeing them take an interest in something so ordinary.

They also enjoy helping to feed our pet cat.

Again, it's a tiny job, but it gives them a sense of responsibility. They know the cat needs feeding and that they can help look after another member of the family.

These aren't activities I've had to buy.

I haven't had to prepare anything.

And I certainly haven't had to put a screen in front of them.

They're simply becoming part of everyday family life.

The hidden learning in everyday jobs

One of the best things about giving children little jobs is that they're learning without necessarily realising they're learning.

Putting clothes into the washing machine involves following instructions, sorting and coordination.

Matching socks introduces early problem-solving and observation.

Helping set the table can involve counting, memory and understanding routines.

Watering plants teaches children about caring for living things.

Helping to feed a pet introduces responsibility.

Even something as simple as tidying toys involves organisation and decision-making.

And perhaps most importantly, children begin to develop independence and confidence.

They get to experience that feeling of:

“I can do this myself.”

It doesn't have to be perfect

This is probably the hardest part for us as parents.

If you're in a rush, letting a three-year-old help with the washing probably isn't the fastest way of getting it done!

They might put things in the wrong place.

They might drop something.

They might make a mess.

They might need reminding what to do.

And sometimes, let's be honest, it's simply easier to do it ourselves.

But whenever we have the time, allowing children to have a go can be much more valuable than doing everything for them.

We're not trying to create perfectly folded laundry.

We're giving them opportunities to participate.

The next time they say “I'm bored…”

Before automatically reaching for the tablet or switching on the television, try giving them a little job.

Say:

“Do you want to help me?”

You might be surprised by how quickly their attention changes.

They could help you make dinner.

Sort the laundry.

Water the plants.

Feed the pet.

Put some toys away.

Or simply carry something from one room to another.

It doesn't have to be complicated.

It doesn't have to be Pinterest-worthy.

And it doesn't need to keep them occupied for an hour.

Sometimes even ten minutes of feeling useful and involved is enough to change the mood.

Screen-free doesn't mean constantly finding things to do

This is something I think is really important when raising screen-free kids.

We don't need to become our children's full-time entertainment team.

Screen-free childhood isn't about filling every spare minute with carefully planned activities.

It's also about allowing children to experience ordinary life.

Chores.

Conversations.

Helping.

Waiting.

Exploring.

Being bored.

And discovering that there are things to do all around them.

Sometimes the best screen-free activity is simply letting them be part of what you're already doing.