Question
My daughter cannot handle boredom. Not only can she not handle it, she gets mean about it and lacks the creativity to entertain herself.
I thought the problem was our minimalist toy collection so I got her a doll house, a baby doll with accessories and a whole wardrobe for said doll. It wasn't it.
She has access to art supplies, a camera, a bike, our tiny garden... not to mention we go to the park every single day.
What should I do?
Answer
Let her sit and tolerate her boredom.
We don't have to fix or discipline their experience with boredom. All we can do is guide them through how to manage and tolerate it.
Next time she is angry and bored, say, "You are feeling the big feelings of frustration and boredom. When we are bored our brain wants us to come up with an idea to entertain ourselves. What will you come up with?" Then #embracethetantrum and let her sit in the nasty big feelings of anger, frustration and boredom.
You can also create a chart that you put up where they can see and read about all their toys and choices of play. When she comes to you and says "I'm bored" guide her to the chart and remind her, "Bored tells us to come up with a new idea"
The task is not to save her from the discomfort of boredom, just help her manage and tolerate it.