my child seems bored. we dont have a lot of money and cant leave the house much and do fun things and he seems

Question

really bored and sometimes talks to himself. we play outsde alot and do pojects and read but he seems lonely and i feel really bad. we just cant afford any classes or anything at this time. i feel so bad for him. he loves school which is good. i have had some friends from his class come over which has been great. also i have taken him to the park and library. just want him to be more socialized and feel part of some kind of team. suggestions?

Answer 1

I don't know where you live, but in our town we have some parents centers. They are usually run by a not for profit agency, and don't cost anything. They have things like playgroups, family fun nights, outings. etc. However, if you don't have these, put out a flyer or talk to other moms at the park, etc, and see if you can't start a play group. Also, talk to your son's teacher at school and see if she/he has any suggestions for free or low cost fun.

You could also check out the local boys and girls club or YMCA. They sometimes have family free night were you can go to the YMCA at no cost.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Most museums are free to children and have periods with discounted rates. Home Depot has "classes" that are free that are for children. They can build bird feeders, make a mosiac, etc and the kids have a ball. You don't say how old he is, which is a key factor, because it's normal for a 5 year old to talk to himself - it's his way of entertaining himself. It's another thing if your child is 10. I can sympathize with you because I've been in that situation. Have him help you shop, keep inviting his friends over and encourage him to go over other friend houses. Some libraries have mom/child groups which are about 1 hour twice a week, which allows children to begin developing their social skills. Talk to his teacher and find out how he's doing socially and emotionally in school. Best of all, ask him if he's bored. If he is, make some cookies; have him draw you a picture, let him help you with the laundry or make a game out of cleaning his room. Find the perfect tree for him to climb or help him dig for worms. Little children have very short attention spans and often bordem is mistaken for "what do I do next". He'll be fine. The more he gets involved with school, the more interests he'll develop. Then, you won't be able to keep up.

good luck.

Answer 3

We didnt have money for clothes or food when i was a kid, and we lived out in the middle of no where with no other children within 4 miles. Plus we had no car, since dad always took it to work.

You dont need to be away from home to keep from being bored.

Art, writing, the out doors, school, the phone... theres always something to do. Trying to provide entertainment for children is a downward spiral into parental exhuastion. Encourage creativity and imagination, and then let him go.

My siblings were all atleast 6 years younger than me. And iam not socially stunted. I also never did after school activities because I had to be home to watch my brothers.

Theres tons to do at home and in the yard.

Jeez... even a cardboard box and some masking tape can provide hours of fun.

Answer 4

1. Go to www.craigslist.com and on a regular basis take out advertisements for at home mothers wanting to socialize their kids.
2. Keep going to the park, try different park. Some parks have more kids than others.
3. Try the local YMCA. Y's usually have VERY reduced rate for children only ($5 a month it used to be).
4. Keep sticking with it!

Answer 5

Seems like you have two questions.. You want him to be less bored and you want him to feel part of a team. Kids will some times be bored. That's just life.

If you get him in the habit of being perpetually entertained, he's going to expect that all of the time from everyone - perhaps even girlfriends when he gets older..and may even get demanding or angry when he doesn't get what he wants when he wants it. You've provided enough things for him to do... just let him be a kid and find things he likes to do.

It doesn't cost too much to join a little league. Save up for it or get some help from family. He may enjoy it.

Answer 6

Don't take his boredome too seriously...it seems like you're trying to do a lot to entertain him. Kids are going to be bored sometimes...let him figure some things out for himself. It gives them a chance to use their imagination, read, etc. I was an only child for 8.5 years, and my brother has always been way too young for me to play with. I stayed home by myself since I was about 8 and I never had a problem. I used to read a lot...I basically learned how to keep myself entertained when my parents weren't there to do it for me! He'll figure it out. b/w school and trips to the park your son should be fine.

Answer 7

Having no money may be the greatest asset of all for him to grow up well rounded and intelligent. Its the kids with money who cant seem to entertain themselves with all the gadgets and possessions money can buy that I pity.

Don't underestimate the power of reading, a library card might be the single most valuable gift (besides your love and support) that you can give your son. With it he can travel the world, the galaxy, or a single human cell with facination.

Answer 8

In Australia there are playgroups and things of that nature that are free or cost less to nothing to go to.. and the kids get together and play and then you can chat to the other parents.. check out whats for offer in your local community service.. and see whats for offer . Goodluck.

Answer 9

Hi,

Try joining some mom's play groups. check out www.meetup.com and search for your area. Those groups are usually free too.

Don't be so hard on yourself. Your son will be okay. Check the paper for for free activities and go for it when you can. Again, look for those mom's groups (even try yahoogroups for playgroups in your area).

Wishing you all the best. :)

Answer 10

check with your local YMCA (they have scholarships available for those without money) or if he is age 5 or older check out your local boys and girls club--my kids love it