Do you ever feel guilty when your child complains of being bored? In that moment you feel like you’re failing as a parent and allowing your child to be bored. Here’s some good news. You’re actually WINNING as a parent when your child is bored at times.
Here’s why. When we allow our children to become bored, it’s helping your child develop planning strategies, problem-solving skills, flexibility, and creativity. It basically helps your child become better prepared for life.
Let’s explore more reasons why it’s beneficial for your child to be bored.
BENEFITS OF YOUR CHILD EXPERIENCING BORDOM:
FUELS CRETIVITY
– Try to resist the urge to provide your child with constant entertainment. Instead, offer your child space to think. Boredom is the main key in promoting creativity. We live in a world of constant stimuli. Your child’s mind craves simplicity. Boredom will help boost your child’s imagination and growth.
HELPS DEVELOP CRUCIAL LIFE SKILLS
– When a child is bored. Boredom will force you child to sit in a state of uncomfortable feeling and your child will then look for a solution on their own and how to fix that. Building the skill for problem-solving and planning strategies for the future.
BOREDOM ENCOURAGES YOUR CHILD TO TAKE CHARGE OF THEIR DESTINY
– A child who complains of being bored and has “nothing to do” is presented with a choice. They can either continue to sit and remain bored or they can come up with a solution. Becoming more creative and figuring out some way to enjoy themself. This results in your child planning and figuring out what they want.
IMPROVES PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING
– When your child’s bored. This gives your child brain a time to rest and recharge. All while working to build creativity and problem solving. Your child will become more confident in the skills they are building without relying heavily on his/her parent to provide your child with constant stimuli and entertainment.
HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD EMBRACE BOREDOM:
- Start with small increments of time 5-10 mins each day. You can stay with your child, but ultimately encourage your child to use their imagination to come up with a solution to captivate fun and creativity to fill in the gap of boredom.
- Help give their imagination jumpstart.
Ex: set up a sensory bin, dolls, cars, action figures, whatever encouraes open-ending play. Then step away and let them figure it out. - Talk about ways they can entertain themselves in the future when they feel boredom. Make a list of activities, etc they can fill in the time with.
- Pair reading and quiet time with snacks.
- Go outside often. Nature boost your child creativity and will diminish boredom quickly.
It’s not your job to fill in every part of your child day. Take the burden of being the perfect interest mom off your shoulders and let your children experience boredom.