“Mum, I’m bored!” Sound familiar?

In a world of endless screens and instant entertainment, boredom feels like a problem to fix. But what if it’s actually a hidden superpower? Dr Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack the science of boredom - why the right kind helps kids grow more creative, independent, and emotionally steady, and when it tips into trouble. Get quick, practical ideas to turn those “I’m bored!” moments into brain-boosting opportunities.

KEY POINTS
Good vs. Bad Boredom: Occasional boredom in a stimulating environment builds creativity, resilience, and emotional regulation. Chronic boredom in an empty environment links to anxiety and risky behaviour.
Screens & Overstimulation: Devices hijack attention, prevent true mental rest, and can increase long-term boredom.
The Brain on Boredom: When attention fades, the Default Mode Network activates - fueling imagination, identity-building, and problem-solving.
Practical Parenting: Don’t rush to entertain. Provide an “enriched environment” (books, art supplies, outdoor space) and let kids self-direct.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
 “Boredom isn’t a failure of parenting - it’s a reset button for the brain.” —Dr Justin Coulson

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Inside the bored brain: Unlocking the power of the default mode network | PsyPost
Forget Overscheduling vs Bordeom - Self Direction is Key [Happy Families Article]
The Case Against Boredom [Happy Families Article]
Unhurrying Childhood [Happy Families Article]
Fast-forward to boredom: How switching behavior on digital media makes people more bored | Journal of Experimental Psychology
#1045 – The Art & Science of Family Meetings [Happy Families Podcast]

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Stop Fixing It: When kids complain, calmly acknowledge and leave space for them to decide what’s next.
Prime the Environment: Keep open-ended materials - Lego, art supplies, books - visible and accessible.
Embrace Downtime: Show your own healthy boredom habits: daydreaming, journaling, screen-free walks. Breath.

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Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au

&ldquo;Mum, I&rsquo;m bored!&rdquo; Sound familiar?
In a world of endless screens and instant entertainment, boredom feels like a problem to fix. But what if it&rsquo;s actually a hidden superpower? Dr Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack the science of boredom - why the right kind helps kids grow more creative, independent, and emotionally steady, and when it tips into trouble. Get quick, practical ideas to turn those &ldquo;I&rsquo;m bored!&rdquo; moments into brain-boosting opportunities.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Good vs. Bad Boredom: Occasional boredom in a stimulating environment builds creativity, resilience, and emotional regulation. Chronic boredom in an empty environment links to anxiety and risky behaviour.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Screens &amp; Overstimulation: Devices hijack attention, prevent true mental rest, and can increase long-term boredom.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The Brain on Boredom: When attention fades, the Default Mode Network activates - fueling imagination, identity-building, and problem-solving.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Practical Parenting: Don&rsquo;t rush to entertain. Provide an &ldquo;enriched environment&rdquo; (books, art supplies, outdoor space) and let kids self-direct.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE &nbsp;&ldquo;Boredom isn&rsquo;t a failure of parenting - it&rsquo;s a reset button for the brain.&rdquo; &mdash;Dr Justin Coulson
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.psypost.org/inside-the-bored-brain-unlocking-the-power-of-the-default-mode-network/#google_vignette">Inside the bored brain: Unlocking the power of the default mode network</a> | PsyPost</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/forget-overscheduling-versus-boredom-self-direction-is-the-key-to-a-great-summer">Forget Overscheduling vs Bordeom - Self Direction is Key</a> [Happy Families Article]</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/the-case-against-boredom">The Case Against Boredom</a> [Happy Families Article]</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/unhurrying-childhood-why-slowing-down-is-the-best-thing-for-our-kids">Unhurrying Childhood</a> [Happy Families Article]</li>
<li><a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fxge0001639">Fast-forward to boredom: How switching behavior on digital media makes people more bored</a><a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fxge0001639"></a><a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fxge0001639"></a> | Journal of Experimental Psychology</li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast/episode/1045-the-art-science-of-family-meetings-2">#1045 &ndash; The Art &amp; Science of Family Meetings</a> [Happy Families Podcast]</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Stop Fixing It: When kids complain, calmly acknowledge and leave space for them to decide what&rsquo;s next.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Prime the Environment: Keep open-ended materials - Lego, art supplies, books - visible and accessible.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Embrace Downtime: Show your own healthy boredom habits: daydreaming, journaling, screen-free walks. Breath.</li>
</ol>
Subscribe to the Happy Families <a href="https://happyfamiliesfamilyeducation.activehosted.com/f/40">newsletter</a>
Leave a <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast">voice memo here</a> or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy families podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now.

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Boredom’s Sweet Spot: When Doing Nothing Fuels Growth - and When It Backfires

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/05cb86d1-a317-444a-a602-b35100aeb9a7/transcript