Have you got bored children? Why Is It Actually Beneficial to Them

Do you have children who are bored at home? Boredom is beneficial to children. Really. This is why.

“I’m frustrated.”

What should you do if you hear something like this?

Is it your responsibility to provide stimulating, enjoyable activities for your children? Yes. Is it your responsibility to provide stimulating, enjoyable activities for your children at all times?

No.

What do you do when your children are bored?

Assume it’s summer vacation. You just spent the entire morning with the children at the pool, on your bikes, at home doing arts and crafts, or doing something else they enjoy. Also, you had a great time, and they have as well and you only been home for five minutes when you hear those dreaded words, “I’m bored.“

You might try to be helpful by suggesting activities for your bored children, but none of them seem to pique their interest. These words may irritate you, reminding you of all the things you’ve already done with your children today. You might wonder why they can’t just do something for themselves. They may stomp off in a rage, loll around bored, or become whiny and annoying.

Why is it beneficial for children to be bored?

Unstructured time is important. Children who are constantly entertain by adults (or screens) are not given the opportunity to use their imagination and initiative to solve the problem of boredom. We know it’s easy to wax nostalgic about the “good old days,” but all of this constant adult provision of fun, stimulation, and activity appears to be a modern parenting phenomenon.

It’s difficult for parents these days. It appears to be the norm that adults provide a large portion of children’s entertainment. Take the first small step if you want to make a change in your family and encourage your children to find their own entertainment. Establish a regular time when everyone must find something to do and no screens shall permit.

If your children moan and require some assistance at first, assist them in brainstorming a few ideas and posting the list somewhere where they can refer to it when they are stuck. You may have to put up with a little whining at first, but stick with it. When you step back, you might be surprise at how creative your ‘bored’ child can be.

 

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The River House Montessori

The Montessori International School of Vietnam