So, let me guess you have a head full of activities for your kids this summer, right? What are you trying to avoid? Boredom? You are not alone. Probably only one in ten parents don’t struggle with piling up activities for summer just so the kids don’t get bored. Somehow, on paper, that sounds like top-notch parenting, but it’s a bit less impressive in practice.
Boredom is something we fear. Most parents become unnecessarily worried when they hear ‘’mummy I’m bored’’ forgetting that in the actual sense, boredom is a major part of our lives. And making our kids handle it head-on just might be one of the best things we can do for them. Yes, the best way to handle boredom is to do nothing about it. At first, it can be a tad worrisome, they will complain, but the truth is that in a matter of a few minutes later, they will find something to do on their own. That’s more than just okay, it’s an essential skill they will need for the rest of their lives.
Here are five reasons you must allow your kids to be bored.
- Boredom improves creativity
People naturally become creative when they are bored and that’s true for kids too. The human minds tend to daydream when they are bored and in the process of daydreaming, creative thoughts are sparked. So, when your kids have nothing to do, it gives room for them to exercise their imaginations and of course, that might just be one of the most important skills they can develop.
- Boredom encourages problem-solving
Resist the urge to fill up their cups for them. Allow their minds to wander as this can allow for inventive ideas and solutions to their own problems. Your child is growing in a world that is increasingly yearning for Individuals who can solve problems, and this requires critical thinking. As they get used to finding things to do on their own, they are also getting ready for the world ahead of them.
- Boredom boosts happiness and makes kids motivated
I came across this statement in one of the blogs I’m following ‘Lucky are the ones that can sit in stillness, listen to their thoughts, and allow their inner selves to flourish. Kids that are savvy in the area of dealing with boredom positively are more likely to grow to become happier adults. Again, when kids grow, we won’t be there as parents to entertain or load educational activities for them. As they struggle to fill their own cups, they are in practice making their own decisions and finding ways to be interested in what’s going on around them.
- Boredom helps kids figure out their interests
In addition to creativity, when kids are left with their time and space alone and are free from schedules from parents, they can figure out what they like to do. This is a summary of psychologist Vanessa Lapointe in his article at Huffington post “Children need to sit in their own boredom for the world to become quiet enough that they can hear themselves”. When they are bored and alone, they might discover a love of writing plays, baking cookies, biking, crafting, or perfecting their jump shot.
- Boredom makes kids more independent.
According to psychologist Lyn Fry, “Being bored is a way to make children self-reliant.”. If you ever plan to raise independent kids who can generate their own ideas about what they’d like to do—and what’s feasible, afford them the opportunity of making peace with boredom.
So, when next your child says mummy I’m bored, you might just want to say congratulations, you are just about putting your mind to work. Lol, maybe that sounds like a savage response but it’s just something they’ve got to deal with. Quit trying to keep them busy 24/7! Let’s go intentional with our parenting. Boredom is the new big thing.
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