“Mom, I’m sooooo bored!”
Most parents can relate to the eye-roll-inducing sound of their children lamenting about boredom. It’s a familiar scenario, whether you’re balancing remote work or managing the daily demands of parenting. The constant call for entertainment can become grating. But here’s a revelation: if your child is feeling bored, it’s not entirely their fault—it’s yours.
Yes, you read that right. If your child is in the kitchen exclaiming they have nothing to do, it’s a reflection of what we, as parents, have or haven’t done. Children need guidance in navigating their boredom, much like we’ve taught them essential skills like riding a bike or brushing their teeth. We should be encouraging them to tap into their creativity during those moments when their surroundings don’t seem engaging.
When a child says they’re bored, what they’re really expressing is a lack of ideas for self-entertainment. They are essentially asking for your help to fill the void. As a parent, however, my response has often been, “Figure it out.” I made a conscious decision long ago not to be the entertainer available around the clock. Reflecting on my own childhood, I remember that aside from a few instances when my mom played games with us or took us out for ice cream, she wasn’t there to amuse us constantly. And you know what? We turned out just fine.
My siblings and I found countless ways to keep ourselves entertained. From staging musical performances in our living room to racing bikes in the neighborhood, we engaged in creative and adventurous play. Sometimes, we even spent hours arguing over games like Monopoly. We sought out friends when we grew tired of each other, and yes, we occasionally picked up books and enjoyed some solitary time.
Boredom once sparked creativity for kids like me, but that seems less common today. Somewhere along the line, we began to believe that children should never experience a dull moment. With cars equipped with DVD players and restaurants offering iPads, kids have little opportunity to simply sit and think. Their schedules are packed with sports and activities, leaving minimal downtime to just be bored and figure things out independently.
This lack of unstructured time can make boredom feel alien and uncomfortable when it does arise. However, teaching children to transform boredom into creativity is essential. A child who knows how to channel their boredom is less likely to whine about it.
How to Empower Kids to Embrace Unstructured Time
So, how do we empower our kids to embrace unstructured time? It starts with allowing them to experience boredom. Resist the temptation to suggest activities when they complain. Build downtime into your daily routine—just half an hour of quiet time can spark creativity and increase reading. And yes, even you, parent, should take a break from your devices.
Ditch the iPad at the restaurant and the DVD for quick car rides to the store. Does a child really need a screen for the seven-minute trip to grab groceries? While screen time has its place, it can become overwhelming. Consider turning off the television, changing the Wi-Fi password, and observing what unfolds. Initially, there may be some pushback, but if you are steadfast, the magic of boredom will emerge. Your kids will eventually discover their own activities, and you will hear “I’m bored” less often.
Though fostering creativity may result in an abundance of art supplies and remnants of science experiments cluttering your home, the sounds of your children engaging in creative endeavors serve as a reminder that life is anything but dull.
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Summary
Letting children experience boredom can foster their creativity and problem-solving skills. Instead of always providing entertainment, parents should encourage kids to find their own forms of amusement, which leads to greater independence and imaginative play.