Confronting Boredom

"I'm dying of boredom," Debbie said to her mother, plopping dramatically onto the window seat in the kitchen. "I'm as bored as a fish out of water."

Mrs. Jones sighed as she smiled at Debbie's exaggeration and not-quite-fitting simile. More and more lately, Debbie was coming to her, saying she was bored. Mrs. Jones remembered being Debbie's age and always having things to do. She would play with neighborhood kids, making up games and doing lots of pretending. She would read books or write letters to pen pals. It seemed that her own daughter had challenges figuring out how to create fun for herself.

"I have an idea," Mrs. Jones said.

Debbie's face brightened. "What is it?"

Mrs. Jones gave Debbie a pad of lined, yellow paper and a pen. "I want you to make a list."

"What kind of list?" Debbie asked.

"A list of at least ten things you could do when you are bored."

Debbie frowned. That didn't sound fun at all. "Do I have to?"