In praise of boredom
Categories: Preschoolers, Kids 5-7, Kids 8-11, Teens & tweens, Fun & activities, Development, Life & style, Playground bureau
With school-free, summer days looming ahead, many parents will soon be hearing the familiar refrain, "I'm bored!" from the kids. But before you start scrambling around to organize yet another day of amazing kid activities, check out this eye-opening article from Lifehack that reminds us that boredom isn't lethal, it's actually a good thing.
Boredom is often the trigger behind creative ideas and introspection to leads to deeper thoughts. Having time where the mind is free to wander is an luxury that few people, especially children are allowed anymore. From birth, products now come with built in entertainment. Mobiles are now standard for Pack N Plays and baby swings, and vibrating, musical, light-show playing gewgaws are also commonplace. When babies get a little bigger, there are DVD players to keep them occupied during road trips, handheld gaming devices, and television and video games to fill the free time spaces for children at home.
Instead of trying to provide a constant stream of activity, help acclimate your child to periods of boredom. See what sorts of creations and games they can come up with using only rudimentary materials like sticks and leaves and rocks. Declare entire days electronic-device free and see what happens when kids are left to their own devices for a while.
And instead of feeling like a failure when the kids say, "I'm bored!" be proud that you are providing a valuable gift that will help them be healthy and successful adults.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Judy 6-10-2008 @ 11:15AM
We don't own a TV, limit computer time and allow the occasional DVD on the tiny portable player. THe only electronic "gadgets" we have an use are an iPod, for use on the home stereo or car stereo where we are ALL listening to the same thing (no headphones) and cell phones.
We have 2 boys living with us, ages 2 and 4. They are never bored. Sometimes, when my 4 yo is tired of playing with his toys, I find him laying on the bed, "reading" through book after book.
THe difference between them and our older daughters (his, age 10, and mine, age 12) who have been raised (by their other parents and grandparents) on a steady diet of TV, movies, video games, and constant scheduled activities, is striking. If there is not "something to do" all the time, they start getting lost and cranky.
I think boredom is a WONDERFUL thing for kids.
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