Soccer practice, saxophone lessons, Explorers Club, kickboxing classes—your kid’s afterschool schedule is filled to the max, and you hope all this fun and enrichment keeps him busy and fulfilled. So why, then, do schoolage children say the main reason they’re not happy is—they’re bored?

Yep, that’s the finding from a recent study from England. How can that be? While kids say they’re bored, it’s actually a lack of satisfaction they’re experiencing, contends lead study author Karen Pine, PhD, a professor at the University of Hertfordshire’s School of Psychology. “Kids often have so much on their plate that they don’t feel they have enough time to play and enjoy the things they want to do,” she says. Ironically, overscheduling may translate to what children call boredom. They need time to hang out with friends and be creative in a less structured way, suggests Dr. Pine, whether by running around outdoors, reading a book, doodling or going online—and adults need to give them the space to do that. Re: real boredom—it’s okay from time to time, Dr. Pine says. “It’s in those times that kids start to explore things for themselves.” And these self-motivated activities might just lead to greater satisfaction—and happier campers.

Boredom Busters

Dr. Karen Pine offers tips on helping kids stay motivated and happy:

Stop overscheduling. Instead, give your child time after school or on the weekends to pursue his own hobbies and spend time with friends.

Let him be. Kids can find their own ways to amuse and fulfill themselves, which spark curiosity and creativity.

Welcome the Web. In moderation, online communities can help kids share ideas and develop social skills. Sign your child up in a protected kids’ site and encourage responsible usage.