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Let Kids Experience Boredom: A Path to Creativity
by Jamie Thompson
Updated: Feb. 5, 2021
Originally Published: May 18, 2017
“Mom, I’m so bored!” Many parents dread hearing this phrase from their children. Whether you’re juggling remote work or managing the daily demands of parenting, a child lamenting their lack of activities can be incredibly frustrating. The constant need for entertainment can wear thin quickly. But here’s a crucial point: if your child feels bored, it might just be a reflection of the skills they’ve yet to develop.
Yes, it’s on us as parents. If your child is in the kitchen whining about their lack of entertainment, it’s because we haven’t equipped them with the tools to navigate boredom. Just like learning to tie their shoes or ride a bike, children need guidance on how to turn boredom into a springboard for creativity. When kids express boredom, they are often signaling, “I’m out of ideas, help me find something to do.”
As for me, I’ve adopted a rather indifferent stance toward boredom. It’s taken me years to cultivate this attitude, but it’s essential. I knew early on that I didn’t want to be the parent who felt obligated to provide constant entertainment. Reflecting on my own childhood, I remembered how my siblings and I had to invent our own fun. We staged performances in our living room, raced through our neighborhood, and spent countless hours arguing over board games. Boredom was a catalyst for creativity back then, but today’s children often have a different experience.
Over time, society has come to believe that children should never experience dull moments. With cars featuring DVD players, restaurants offering iPads, and an endless supply of streaming services, we’ve created an environment where kids are seldom left to their own devices. Sports, clubs, and social events fill their schedules, leaving little room for unstructured time. Consequently, when kids finally encounter boredom, it can feel foreign and uncomfortable.
However, teaching children to embrace and channel boredom into creativity is essential. A child who can transform moments of idleness into imaginative play will rarely utter the dreaded phrase, “I’m bored.” Our goal should be to empower kids to self-motivate during their free time. They need to learn to seek out their own entertainment rather than waiting for someone to provide it.
So, how can we promote this self-sufficiency amidst our own reliance on technology?
We can start by allowing children to work through their boredom without jumping in with suggestions. Scheduled downtime should be part of daily life. Even a brief period of quiet time can encourage creativity and lead to increased reading or art projects. Yes, this includes you too, Mom—step away from your phone and the laundry for a moment.
Say no to screens at the dinner table and resist the urge to play a DVD during short car rides. Does your child really need to watch cartoons for a quick trip to the store? While I enjoy screen time as much as anyone, moderation is key.
Consider turning off the television or changing the Wi-Fi password to see what unfolds. Initially, there may be some protests, but if you remain steadfast, your children will eventually discover ways to entertain themselves. The less you intervene, the less likely you’ll hear complaints of boredom.
Although my home is now filled with art supplies and remnants of various projects, the sounds of my kids engaging in creative endeavors remind me that boredom can be a powerful tool for growth and imagination.
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Summary
Allowing children to experience boredom is crucial for developing their creativity and self-sufficiency. By resisting the urge to entertain them constantly, parents can encourage kids to explore their interests independently, leading to imaginative play and personal growth.
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