The Importance of Boredom
Many parents are facing a struggling reality during corona virus lockdowns. They suddenly have been put in charge of their children's education and day to day, 24 hour well being and entertainment. This is a daunting challenge to have thrown on us. Many are tempted to label it as homeschooling, but it doesn't really fit any label as we know them, because this is an entirely different experience. Parents didn't make this decision for themselves or with the child. Parents have not been given time to prepare. Some school systems are using video conferencing, while others have resorted to homework packets. When parents aren't faced with homework they may not understand and setting their child up for a video conference, they have another challenge. Do I schedule everything and try to keep everyone busy? And what do I do when my schedule falls apart, and my kids inevitably tell me "I'm bored."
What do you say? Some parents would be tempted to list off a number of activities, and that is a great approach, especially if you somehow manage to talk your kids into helping clean up the house. Other parents might be juggling 40 plates, as they try to work and clean and keep everyone alive and healthy and might just throw the kids a video game controller and let them go. There's nothing wrong with this approach either. Yes, there are studies out there about too much screen time, and I wouldn't advocate for constant screen time, but we are in a stressful reality and escaping to video games might not be the worst thing sometimes. And if you talk about what your child is watching or doing, you might be able to throw in a lesson or two. The last approach may be the hardest, but it's also great for us. Embrace the boredom.
Being bored is an opportunity to daydream. Daydreaming is an opportunity to make new connections and imagine new things. Before something can be created, first it must be imagined. According to Teresa Belton of the School of Education and Lifelong Learning, "the wandering mind is more likely to come up with imaginative ideas and solutions to problems." And the world could use more creative problem solvers. Daydreaming and allowing the mind to wander is a wonderful opportunity to explore the mind and where your thoughts might take you. The mind can reflect on the past and present and explore the potential future. Developing the habit while you are young will help maintain your ability to enjoy quiet and be mindful or self-aware as an adult.
Boredom is an opportunity to explore your own interests. Being forced to entertain yourself means you can explore the toys and games you have forgotten you enjoy. You can take the time to play your favorite way. Children can learn to find their own fun their own way, meaning they become less reliant on the adults in their lives to entertain them. Boredom is an opportunity to develop new skills and discover new interests. Maybe being bored will lead you to look at something in a new way and discover a new way of doing things. These new skills may even include conflict resolution skills, when siblings explore bored times together.
How can we help our kids make the most of their bored times? Spending some time in organized activities can help with physical, cultural, cognitive and social development. Use this time to develop qualities that will help during boredom such as curiosity, perseverance, interest, and confidence. Another tool is to keep interesting items in the home, from empty cardboard boxes, to art supplies and science tools. If kids are really stuck, you can create a boredom jar with cardboard coins, craft sticks, or pieces of paper for them to choose at random with written prompts such as watch the clouds, read a book, create a fairy feast menu, make a shadow puppet show, build and run an obstacle course, or other activities you know your child enjoys. They can actually be involved in making the prompts, ensuring some interest in the activities included, but don't be afraid to add new activities to try out new interests.
Melbourne Child Psychology
Fatherly
Psychology Today
Aha! Parenting
Lifehack
Child
What do you say? Some parents would be tempted to list off a number of activities, and that is a great approach, especially if you somehow manage to talk your kids into helping clean up the house. Other parents might be juggling 40 plates, as they try to work and clean and keep everyone alive and healthy and might just throw the kids a video game controller and let them go. There's nothing wrong with this approach either. Yes, there are studies out there about too much screen time, and I wouldn't advocate for constant screen time, but we are in a stressful reality and escaping to video games might not be the worst thing sometimes. And if you talk about what your child is watching or doing, you might be able to throw in a lesson or two. The last approach may be the hardest, but it's also great for us. Embrace the boredom.
Being bored is an opportunity to daydream. Daydreaming is an opportunity to make new connections and imagine new things. Before something can be created, first it must be imagined. According to Teresa Belton of the School of Education and Lifelong Learning, "the wandering mind is more likely to come up with imaginative ideas and solutions to problems." And the world could use more creative problem solvers. Daydreaming and allowing the mind to wander is a wonderful opportunity to explore the mind and where your thoughts might take you. The mind can reflect on the past and present and explore the potential future. Developing the habit while you are young will help maintain your ability to enjoy quiet and be mindful or self-aware as an adult.
Boredom is an opportunity to explore your own interests. Being forced to entertain yourself means you can explore the toys and games you have forgotten you enjoy. You can take the time to play your favorite way. Children can learn to find their own fun their own way, meaning they become less reliant on the adults in their lives to entertain them. Boredom is an opportunity to develop new skills and discover new interests. Maybe being bored will lead you to look at something in a new way and discover a new way of doing things. These new skills may even include conflict resolution skills, when siblings explore bored times together.
How can we help our kids make the most of their bored times? Spending some time in organized activities can help with physical, cultural, cognitive and social development. Use this time to develop qualities that will help during boredom such as curiosity, perseverance, interest, and confidence. Another tool is to keep interesting items in the home, from empty cardboard boxes, to art supplies and science tools. If kids are really stuck, you can create a boredom jar with cardboard coins, craft sticks, or pieces of paper for them to choose at random with written prompts such as watch the clouds, read a book, create a fairy feast menu, make a shadow puppet show, build and run an obstacle course, or other activities you know your child enjoys. They can actually be involved in making the prompts, ensuring some interest in the activities included, but don't be afraid to add new activities to try out new interests.
Melbourne Child Psychology
Fatherly
Psychology Today
Aha! Parenting
Lifehack
Child
I love your blog. You can tell you are a loving mother and you do your research in each topic.
ReplyDeleteYAY!