When I was a little girl, I was careful never to grumble out the words “Mom, I’m bored…there’s nothing to dooooo!” If I did happen to express these thoughts my dear mom would remark in her Bostonian accent, “Oh, I’ll give you something to do.” My mom would then usually point to the cleaning that must be done in the kitchen, bathroom or parlor. I can still hear her words, “You kids need to start helping out around here!”
I guess the old saying is true, “Mirror, mirror on the wall, I am my Mother after all!” I find that I do not tolerate these words very well either, and it is fortunate for my children that they are rarely bored. They have quickly learned that only boring people are bored and chores will miraculously clear up their dull and disinterested dispositions. Curiously, homeschoolers seem to rarely suffer from this ailment. Perhaps it is because they are accustomed to spending more time at home, filling up their days with useful tasks.
None of our family members are bored because there are always irons in the fire….books to read, projects to complete, cleaning etc. Our struggles though, are in making the right choice or best choice about how we will spend our time. Choosing a video game or watching a video often is our choice instead of something more commendable.
Because my boys sometimes seem to need more direction and instruction, I’ve prepared a list for them to use when they are having a difficult time choosing worthy tasks to fill up their day. I hope you will enjoy our list and perhaps come up with some ideas for your family. Enjoy your children….they grow up so fast. Life is too short to be bored! ~Anne
Ephesians 5:15-17 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might
Pray about what the Lord would have you to do.
memorize Bible verses
organize toys
play ball outside
clean up yard
bake something
learn a new song on piano
learn a new Christmas song
ride recumbent stationary bike until you are tired
walk the dog
write a letter
draw
choose new book to read
bake something to give to neighbor 
mow yard
play scrabble or other game
organize baseball cards
clean fish tank
play with Legos
set up easel and paint
jump-rope
do laundry
clean garage
empty dishwasher
brush dog/ feed/ water
play ball with dog
tidy family room
make mom a cup of tea 😉
vacuum
practice banjo/mandolin
practice music theory
Online Spanish 
practice typing
call Grandma
penmanship
memorize founding document/ poem
pray for someone
write your own biography
add a journal entry
scrapbook
sketch in nature journal
perform a good deed
plan dinner for Mom
push-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks
arm wrestle with brother/dad
write a letter to representative/congress
rake the leaves
clean up house, prepare dessert and invite friend over
figure out how to play hymn on piano (by ear)
study history facts flash cards
Learn something new
Clean out car
Wash car
using tape recorder, interview each other
make up a skit
begin a new writing assignment 
collect leaves
collect bugs, rocks, shells etc.
make a bird house
fill up bird feeders
make Christmas ornaments
pick one room of house to thoroughly clean
dust living room furniture
organize bedroom closet
call a friend in order to encourage them
practice writing
brush and floss your teeth/Shower
gather cans and bottles to recycle
work a puzzle
work on a model airplane/ship etc.
Read a question Answers 1 & 2 by Ken Ham
Ask Dad if you can help him with anything
Ask Mom what you can do to help
Plan healthy dinner menu for week & check with Mom
Play Chess
Read about a Missionary
Set Table for next meal
Find a cluttered spot(hot spot) and clean it up
straighten shoes in entry way
clean up doggie doodles in yard
organize school supplies (pens, pencils etc.)
Organize computer games, video’s etc.
quiz each other history trivia
Read the Bible slowly until God speaks to you.
Read the Constitution
To Be Continued 🙂
