Let Your Child Be Bored

Let your child be bored- I am a 70’s kid and while I was growing up, we only had Doordarshan with fixed shows which we would wait for. The rest of the time was taken up by going to school, studies and Friends. We were blissfully happy and in our own world. I don’t ever remember telling my mom, I am bored. We were constantly coming up with projects, games and spending a lot of time in our friend’s homes and playing outdoors.

Today kids often complain about being bored. They have gotten used to quick gratification and visuals which doesn’t make them feel the need to explore beyond. As involved parents we are also constantly on a lookout for keeping them engaged. Whether it’s hobby classes, toys or video games. We makes sure their schedule is full.

Boredom can actually help them develop skills, creativity and self-esteem. Both little kids and older ones often need some help coming up with things to do with unstructured time.

Want your kid to arrive at their own ideas and opinions? Have them embrace boredom. Kids will learn to take initiative and start thinking on how to plan their day instead of depending on an adult. This will help them learn in future how to plan their career, assignments and also make them better at group projects.

You don’t have to feel guilty when they don’t have anything to do. In fact, you should probably plan “no plans” few times a week. Try not to feel like it’s your responsibility to fill every moment of your child’s time.

When we are not busy with other thoughts and activities, we focus inward as well as looking to reconnect with friends and family.

Remember to allow them to be bored sometimes so they can figure out methods to keep self engaged.

As parents we want to sort every issue out kids have but at times we need to learn to step back and let them tackle this on their own.

Sometimes they just want to be heard. You can say- “I understand, not having something to do is very frustrating.”

“So what will you do?” and you might be surprised that they might just come up with ideas themselves

Now this is the easiest solution that parents and kids turn to. But if they fill their free time with screen the purpose of encouraging creativity is lost. You can’t say no but limit the screen time.

Don’t be afraid to involve your children in tasks around the house or in a routine that fills in some of their time. This will also help with boredom. Your children may be bored because they need some adult help to set up programs, activities, and outside interests that they can be engaged in.
And Trust me They’ll be fine.