Katie Taylor, CCLS Child Life On Call for SmileMakers Inc

This summer looks different than last summer, and I'm pretty certain we all feel happy about that fact. So while most of us are trying to feel as "back to normal" as possible by attending outdoor events, it's good to be prepared for the statement every parent dreads hearing: "I'm bored."

Spoiler alert: Being bored isn't a bad thing.

Being bored actually sparks creativity. When you are handed something and told exactly what to do with it, while it may get done efficiently, it won't require the part of our brain that uses problem solving, our prefrontal cortex. You may have heard of the prefrontal cortex before, (if you haven't, don't worry, I'll explain it) and that's because it's the part of our brain that is the last to fully mature. Our prefrontal cortex helps set and achieve goals. So "being bored" actually can help children and adolescents develop that part of their brain that is important for several of our executive functions.

In fact, I'll go as far as to encourage you to leave time for boredom and free time. As child life specialists know, kids thrive when they have set boundaries and routines. A predictable schedule can help a child cope with stressful situations, uncomfortable experiences and the unknown. But, when you're at home, in a safe space and the child's basic needs are met – consider to make for absolutely nothing.

As an adult, I've actively tried to move from "go go go" to "go rest go," and it's important to model that behavior for kids. When I'm bored is usually when I come up with my next idea for a project, blog or hobby. Demonstrating this behavior for our children makes them less likely to complain about being bored. My favorite way to respond is, "you say you're bored, but maybe you just haven't come up with your next great idea yet."

So when kids are bored and they are "looking for something to do," a great way to help them spark creativity is by offering puzzles. Puzzles ignite our brain and get us thinking, manipulating and deciding.

Try some my favorite SmileMakers puzzles to keep kids engaged this summer:

Fidget Magic Cubes

Mickey Mouse Slide Puzzles

Puzzle Ball Games

Animal Foam Puzzles