Summer is here, and we all know what that means – long days, no school, and the constant question of “Mom, what can I do now?”
As tempting as it is to fill every minute of our kids' schedules with activities, sometimes the best thing we can do is nothing at all. Letting kids get bored can be one of the greatest gifts we give them.
Keep reading to find out why…
Why boredom is the best summer activity for kids
What Happens When Kids Get Bored?
Hearing “I’m booooooored” can quickly send us, as parents, into a state of panic. But hang in there – this is where the magic begins!
Boredom is a state that pushes children to look inward and discover their interests and creativity. Without a packed schedule dictating their every move, kids start to use their imaginations to come up with their own ways to pass the time.
Boredom can lead to:
1. Creative play
With nothing else to do, children often invent games, stories, and activities. This kind of play nurtures creativity and innovation.
2. Problem-solving skills
When faced with boredom, kids have to think critically about what they can do to entertain themselves.
3. Independence
Figuring out how to deal with boredom on their own helps children become more self-reliant - an important skill that they’ll need as they grow into independent adults!
What is the Psychology Behind Boredom?
Boredom isn’t just a pesky feeling to be squashed; it’s actually quite beneficial from a psychological standpoint. According to psychologists, boredom can act as a trigger for the brain to seek out new experiences or ideas. It's a state of restlessness that encourages exploration and self-reflection.
Essentially, boredom allows the brain to reset. When kids are constantly stimulated by activities, they don’t get the chance to process their thoughts or develop their internal worlds. Boredom gives them the opportunity to daydream and think deeply, which is crucial for cognitive and emotional development.
How to Teach a Child to Deal with Boredom
So, how do we help our children embrace boredom? Here are a few mom-tested tips:
1. Be a role model
Show your kids that it’s okay to have downtime. Engage in activities that don’t involve screens or structured play, like reading a book, drawing, or gardening.
2. Create a boredom box
Fill a box with simple materials like paper, crayons, building blocks, and craft supplies. When your child says they’re bored, encourage them to dive into the box and create something new.
3. Limit screen time
While it’s tempting to let screens fill the boredom gap, it’s more beneficial for kids to find other ways to entertain themselves. Set limits on screen time to encourage other forms of play.
4. Encourage outdoor play
Nature is one of the best boredom busters. Let your kids explore the backyard, climb trees, or lie in the grass trying to spot cloud animals.
5. Be patient
It’s natural to want to solve your child’s boredom immediately, but sometimes the best approach is to let them sit with it for a bit. They might surprise you with what they come up with!
Although allowing space to let your kids be bored can feel really uncomfortable at first, with time, it will get easier for you to hold that space and easier for them to find creative ways to fill it!
Dernières Pensées (final thoughts)
In our busy world, it can be hard to let go and allow our kids the space to get bored. But as moms, we can rest assured that boredom isn’t a problem to be fixed – it’s an opportunity for growth.
By making room for nothing, we give our children the chance to develop their creativity, problem-solving skills, and independence.
So, this summer, let’s embrace the power of boredom and see where it takes our kids. Who knows? They might just discover a passion or talent that structured activities could never reveal.
Happy summer, moms! Let’s make it one to remember.