Top 5 Benefits of Being Bored for Kids
If your kids complain about being bored, you may be tempted to sign them up for more activities and to fill their schedules with things that will keep them busy. But the reality is that boredom is a powerful growth point that kids need to get comfortable with!
Making boredom more normal is important for kids. Especially during the summer when you have more free space in your schedule, helping your child grow in their ability to be bored can open up so many greater areas of self-development and growth!
Here are 5 Great Benefits of Being Bored:
#1: Being Bored Develops Self-Awareness
Dr. Vanessa Lapointe, psychologist, puts it this way: “Children need to sit in their own boredom for the world to become quiet enough that they can hear themselves.”
Input from peers, family members, and media constantly bombard our kids. Boredom is an important time for them to get in tune with themselves. Getting comfortable with quiet allows them to develop more fully into their own person!
#2: Boredom Fosters Creative Thinking
Research shows that some mindless, quiet activities prompt creative solutions more than intense effort ever could. Not to mention the role of imagination… Pretend play, imaginative worlds, and creative thoughts or expressions all mostly arise out of quiet boredom for kids!
#3: Being Bored Lets You Form Opinions, Likes, Dislikes, and Gifts
Boredom stimulates interests that are unique to your child. These are things that are not prescribed to them by you, older siblings, friends, or coaches. Instead, it allows them to use their time to pursue their own gifts and interests, or maybe even experiment with things they wouldn’t have an opportunity to otherwise.
#4: Most Kids are Over-Stimulated
Most of us have jam-packed schedules between school, sports, and other activities. While some kids thrive in this kind of situation, others get burned out. Childhood stress is on the rise. For many kids, slowing down and letting them be bored can help to calm them.
#5: Kids Need to Learn How to Rest
Rather than signing them up for another sports camp or switching on the TV at every quiet moment, encourage your child to get comfortable with quiet and grow in their own ability to think outside the box!
This will help them stay more focused and become better at prioritizing their time as they become more independent. Learning the skill of filling their own time—or even just being comfortable with having nothing to do—may help them become better at managing stress as well.
Does Your Child Constantly Ask “What’s Next?”
If you have a child who is frequently complaining of boredom but struggling to fill their time apart from a screen, or if you constantly have to redirect your child, it could be a sign of low logic & reasoning or other cognitive skills.
Cognitive skills are not just for learning in the classroom. These are things that impact every area of life—including creative thinking, imagination, and problem-solving!
If you want to help foster the independence of your child, give us a call. We can help you uncover which skills hold them back and which can be strengthened so they feel more confident in themselves!
