Bonus 3: Let Them Be Bored: Why Doing Less Helps Kids Play, Create, and Grow with Lizzie Assa

Let Them Be Bored: Why Doing Less Helps Kids Play, Create, and Grow with Lizzie Assa

Robyn talks with Lizzie Assa about boredom, play, and how stepping back helps kids build creativity, independence, and confidence.

In this episode, I’m joined by Lizzie Assa, founder of The Workspace for Children and author of But I’m Bored, for a conversation that gets right to the heart of doing less parenting. Lizzie shares her perspective as a mom of three and someone who deeply believes in the power of play and giving kids more space to figure things out on their own.

We talk about boredom, something so many parents feel pressure to fix. When kids say “I’m bored,” it can feel like we’re supposed to jump in with ideas, solutions, or entertainment. But Lizzie explains why boredom is actually an opportunity. It’s often the starting point for creativity, problem-solving, and independence.

Throughout the episode, we explore how stepping back, talking less, and resisting the urge to constantly engage allows kids to take more ownership of their time and their ideas. Lizzie shares how this approach has played out in her own home and why doing less doesn’t mean being disengaged. It means being intentional about when we step in and when we allow space.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of entertaining your kids or solving boredom for them, this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air. It’s a reminder that your child doesn’t need more from you in those moments. They need more room to discover what they’re capable of on their own.

Shared Resources: 

• Follow Lizzie on Instagram @theworkspaceforchildren
• Lizzy’s Website
• Lizzy’s book But I’m Bored
• Robyn’s 6-Week Parent Cohort
• Follow Robyn on Instagram @parentingtheanxiouschild 
• Parenting the Anxious Child Membership
• Sign up for Robyn’s Newsletter and find additional resources