ADHD and the Boredom Torture: Finding Creative Ways to Calm the Storm

Have you ever seen a child with ADHD in full-on “borture” mode? That unique blend of boredom and torture. It’s a phenomenon only ADHD parents really understand: when the simple lull of inactivity feels like a pressure cooker ready to blow.

I live through the borture moments every day. For my son, boredom isn’t just a passive state; it’s like an itch that turns into a restless whirlwind. His mind is constantly racing, fueled by an energy that demands action, challenge, or something colourful and exciting to latch onto. Without these, he’s left feeling irritated, disconnected, and almost in pain, and that’s where the borture begins.

Why Boredom Feels Different for Kids with ADHD

Boredom is uncomfortable for any child, but for those with ADHD, it feels like a full-body experience. Research shows that kids with ADHD often struggle to engage with things that don’t immediately captivate them or offer frequent changes. Boredom can become emotional and physical discomfort, so they frequently respond by seeking instant gratification through sensory play, movement, or anything stimulating their minds and bodies. Without that, they’re left feeling trapped, frustrated, and restless.

One day, after what felt like our hundredth game of “What’s that shape?” with our kitchen dishes, my son looked up at me, clearly done with my desperate attempts to keep him occupied. He sighed and said, “Mom, can we do something fun now?” That’s when it hit me: instead of scrambling to keep his mind busy, I needed to find ways for him to interact with his world. That’s where creativity, movement, and imaginative play have become my go-to solutions.

Turning Borture Moments into Opportunities

Boredom can be a great starting point for engaging with your child’s creativity. Instead of rushing to fix their boredom, try offering activities that allow them to express themselves freely while providing a sense of structure. Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

Introduce Quick Art Activities 

   With just a set of crayons and paper, we’ll sit down and create “emotion maps.” I’ll ask him to draw how his day has gone so far, using different colours for feelings. Even at his age, he can start identifying what triggers certain emotions. A quick sketch can transform his mood, giving him an outlet for all that restless energy. And the best part? There’s no right or wrong way to do it—just a simple exercise to release whatever he’s feeling inside.

Create Stories with Everyday Objects 

   Sometimes, we’ll pull together toys, objects from the kitchen, or snacks to make up our little story scenes. From a dinosaur battling the salt shaker to a mini kingdom ruled by potato chips, storytelling allows him to dive into his imagination, using his intense focus to create new worlds and stories. It’s an open-ended, play-based solution to boredom that gives him control over his environment and keeps his mind engaged.

Movement-Based Games 

   When his energy is bursting out of him, I know it’s time for games that let him move. We’ll play something as simple as “Simon Says,” but with a twist. He loves adding his own actions and rules, which gives him an outlet for creativity while meeting his need to move. Jumping, balancing, or even making up a dance helps him shake off that pent-up energy without feeling overwhelmed by his restlessness.

Incorporate Sensory Play 

   Sensory bins with rice, beans, or even sand have become a massive hit in our house. I’ll add little treasures or objects to the bin for him to find, creating a mini adventure that lets him feel things, search, and sort. For kids with ADHD, sensory play can help bring them back to the present moment, calming their minds and focusing their attention.

Introduce Problem-Solving Challenges 

   ADHD brains love challenges—so why not use that to your advantage? Tangram puzzles, shape-sorting games, or simple riddles can be a great way to spark engagement and focus. For my son, who loves puzzles, these moments give him something to work toward without the “boredom pressure” creeping in.

Embracing Boredom: A Gateway to Self-Discovery

At first, I saw my son’s boredom as a problem I had to solve. Now, I see it as an opportunity to help him connect with his creativity and his own ability to self-soothe. By finding ways to guide him through that space of restlessness and frustration, we’re not just managing his ADHD but building his confidence in navigating his world.

So the next time you see your child’s “borture” face, consider taking a step back. Instead of rushing in to fill the boredom, look for ways to encourage them to express themselves through art, movement, or play. Boredom is challenging, especially for kids with ADHD, but it can also be an open doorway into their imagination and self-expression.

Let’s Connect

If you’re parenting a child with ADHD, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to manage those restlessness-filled moments. But with a bit of creativity, patience, and a few go-to activities, boredom doesn’t have to be a burden. It can be the beginning of a beautiful adventure.

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Recommended Sensory Toys for Kids with ADHD Pop Tubes Fidget Toys : These tubes make a satisfying popping sound and can be stretched, bent, or connected, making them a fun option for sensory stimulation. Great for both focus and relieving tension. Liquid Motion Bubblers : These calming toys have coloured liquid that moves slowly, which can help kids focus and find a sense of calm. They are commonly available in packs of two or more. Squishy Stress Balls : Made to relieve stress and help with hand coordination, squishy stress balls come in different textures and colours. Kids can press and release, allowing them to relax their grip. Magnetic Fidget Sliders : These can help reduce restlessness. The sliders are easy to carry around and offer a unique way to help kids redirect their energy. Weighted Lap Pads : A weighted lap pad can be comforting if your child feels more focused with sensory feedback. They come in various sizes and are designed to help calm overstimulated kids.

For parents looking to purchase, a search with the names of these items should yield options with reviews and ratings to help select the best fit for your child’s needs.