“I'm Soooooo Bored!" Should Boredom Be Part of Your Child's Daily Routine?
By Laura Tristram
When you’re a parent, life can feel non-stop. We’re in a constant struggle to keep our little ones healthily entertained, rushing between various groups and clubs, with day trips squeezed in between work and household chores.
We dread hearing those words slip from our children’s mouths… “I’m bored!”
However, new research from the Child Mind Institute suggests that allowing children to experience Boredom can actually be beneficial for both them and their parents.
Is Boredom bad?
Parents, influenced by societal narratives, often perceive boredom as an unproductive and negative state. Being busy is often equated with success, leading to the belief that boredom signifies laziness.
It's time to rethink this notion.
Boredom can play a significant role in children's development and mental health, forcing them to use their imagination and creativity to entertain themselves. This self-directed play fosters curiosity, helps them discover their interests, and enhances their innovative thinking.
Research even shows that engaging in monotonous tasks can boost creativity when later performing creative activities.
Problem-solving and social skills
The ability to persist is crucial for facing future obstacles and cultivating a proactive mindset. Dealing with the "problem" of boredom enhances their problem-solving skills and self-reliance, fostering a sense of initiative and independence.
'Free play’, where children engage in unstructured activities of their own choosing, allows children to interact with peers, developing essential social skills like negotiation, collaboration, and communication. These skills are vital for forming relationships and working well with others.
Successfully finding ways to entertain themselves boosts children's confidence, helping them take risks and explore new things, thereby strengthening their self-esteem.
Free to 'be'
By giving children the free time to 'be', we can improve mental health as it reduces anxiety and stress. It gives them the opportunity to process thoughts and emotions and engage with their surroundings. These periods of boredom can lead to more creative activities.
How to Introduce More Boredom
* Remove Structured Activities
Encourage children to create their own activities on an "activity detox" day, helping them explore their interests and creativity.
* Keep It Simple
Offer materials like blocks, art supplies, and household items to inspire creativity and free play.
* Less Screen, More Space
Take your child to open spaces and allow them to explore independently, fostering a sense of independence and creativity. Limit the use of electronic devices and encourage imaginative play instead.
* Be The Change
Show them how to change by engaging in creative activities yourself and limiting your own screen time.
Experiencing Boredom helps children develop crucial life skills like problem-solving and creativity. Boredom also helps children build tolerance for less enjoyable experiences and encourages mindfulness, self-reflection, and interpersonal communication skills.
It's a valuable lesson for all: alongside your to-do list, create a 'let's be' list. Make time to be mindfully present with those around you. Amidst the rushing around, take a moment to walk and clear your head. These idle moments without a to-do list are essential for mental clarity and happiness. So, the next time your child complains of being bored, embrace the opportunity to foster their creativity, growth, and wellbeing.
Laura Tristram is a teacher, mum, and mental health and wellbeing lead at Lumii.me