(A Mom’s Guide to Helping Teens Ditch the Doomscroll and Do Something Awesome)
Let’s be real—teenagers today have a lot of distractions. TikTok, Snapchat, scrolling through random memes at 2AM… it’s never-ending.
But when they (finally) say, “I’m bored,” you know it’s code for:
“I want to do something but have no clue what.”
As a mom of kids entering those tween-to-teen years, I’ve been on both sides of the boredom fence. And while I don’t expect them to start a Fortune 500 company in their free time, I do believe that boredom can be a launchpad for real growth—with the right nudge.
Whether you’re a teen reading this (hi!) or a mom trying to encourage better habits, here are 15 genuinely productive things teens can do when boredom strikes. No eye rolls included. 😉
1. Start a Daily Journal or Gratitude List
Writing isn’t just for school assignments.
Grab a notebook or app and start journaling:
- What happened today?
- What are you proud of?
- What are you grateful for?
Even five minutes a day can help reduce stress and build self-awareness—two things teens can definitely benefit from.
2. Declutter Your Room (Yes, Really)
Okay, hear me out: cleaning is low-key therapeutic.
Challenge your teen (or yourself) to:
- Donate 5 things they don’t use
- Toss broken gadgets or expired makeup
- Organize one drawer at a time
It builds decision-making skills and teaches responsibility. Bonus: you might even find that missing AirPod.
3. Learn a New Skill on YouTube
There’s more to YouTube than cat videos and gaming streams.
Set a 30-minute learning challenge:
- Try a beginner coding lesson
- Learn calligraphy or sketching
- Start beginner yoga or home workouts
- Learn how to braid hair like a pro
Teens love autonomy—so give them the space to explore and discover what they enjoy.
4. Create a Budget or Savings Goal
Money lessons don’t have to be boring. In fact, teens love the idea of having more independence.
Help them:
- Set a savings goal (new phone, concert, college fund)
- Track spending with a simple app
- Brainstorm side hustles (like selling crafts, tutoring, or digital art)
This isn’t just productive—it’s life-changing financial literacy.
5. Start a Digital Detox Challenge
Ask them: Can you go 24 hours without TikTok or YouTube?
Make it fun:
- Create a no-phone challenge with friends
- Swap screen time for creative time
- Reflect afterward—what did you do instead?
Self-control is a muscle, and this is one way to help it grow.
6. Organize a Playlist, Photo Album, or Digital Space
Teens love their phones—but rarely clean them up.
Try this:
- Curate a “mood booster” playlist
- Organize photos by album (summer, friends, family)
- Clear out apps they never use
It’s productivity in disguise.
7. Read a Book (That’s Not for School)
Yes, real books still exist—and no, not just classics. Let them pick:
- A mystery series
- Graphic novels
- Self-improvement books for teens
- Inspirational memoirs (hello, Michelle Obama’s Becoming)
Even 10 pages a day builds focus and sparks imagination.
8. Write a Letter or Email to Someone
Old-school? Maybe. But incredibly meaningful.
Encourage them to:
- Write a thank-you letter to a teacher or coach
- Email a grandparent or distant cousin
- Leave a sticky note of encouragement for a sibling
These little acts of kindness are productivity for the heart.
9. Start a Blog, Podcast, or YouTube Channel
This one’s for the expressive, creative types.
They can share:
- Life as a teen
- Tips on fashion, study hacks, or sports
- Reviews of books, tech, or skincare
- Their own poetry or music
It’s not about becoming “famous”—it’s about self-expression, confidence, and consistency.
10. Do a 30-Day Challenge
Teens love a good challenge—especially if they can post about it. 😉
Ideas:
- 30 days of water only (bye soda)
- Daily journal entries
- 10 pushups a day
- One compliment a day to someone else
Track the progress and celebrate the wins. It helps build discipline in a fun way.
11. Learn Basic Cooking or Meal Prep
Let’s be honest—knowing how to feed yourself is an underrated skill.
Get them started with:
- Simple breakfasts (smoothies, eggs, overnight oats)
- A signature dish (tacos, pasta, ramen with flair)
- Meal prep basics for busy school weeks
Once they know their way around the kitchen, it’s empowering and helpful for you. 🙌
12. Volunteer (Even from Home)
Productivity doesn’t always show up in checklists—it’s also about giving back.
Ideas:
- Help a neighbor or babysit a sibling
- Volunteer at a local shelter or youth center
- Make care packages for kids in hospitals
- Write positive messages for a kindness wall
Kindness is contagious, and teens can be amazing change-makers.
13. Practice Mindfulness or Meditation
It might sound “cringe,” but mindfulness is a powerful tool for anxiety, especially in teens.
Try:
- A 5-minute guided meditation (Headspace is great)
- Breathing exercises during homework breaks
- Stretching or quiet journaling before bed
This builds emotional strength—and gives their busy brains a break.
14. Create Vision Boards or Goal Lists
When boredom hits, get visual.
Use Pinterest or paper and magazine cutouts to create a:
- Dream college board
- Career inspiration list
- Life goals: places to visit, things to try
It’s part motivation, part creativity, and totally productive.
15. Explore a Future Career Path
Even if they’re not sure what they want to be “when they grow up,” it helps to explore.
Encourage them to:
- Take a career quiz online
- Watch a TED Talk on jobs of the future
- Shadow a parent or neighbor for a day
- Make a list of what they love + what they’re good at
Every little step helps plant seeds for confidence and purpose.
Final Thoughts (From Mom to Teen—or the Mom of One)
Boredom isn’t the enemy. It’s an opportunity.
It’s a signal that your brain is craving purpose, growth, or a reset.
And as a mom, I’ve learned that it’s not about pushing teens to be “productive” 24/7. It’s about helping them see that they can shape their time—and in turn, their future.
So the next time you hear, “I’m bored,” maybe just smile and say:
“Awesome. That means you’re ready to build something.”
Now go be awesome. 💪
(And maybe clean your room, just saying.)
With encouragement and snacks,
Jessica
