Why it’s ok for kids to be bored

If we provide entertainment every time our children whinge and whine, they become more dependent on us to solve their problems and it reinforces their learned helplessness.

So try stepping back next time your kids complain about feeling bored. This will empower them to think for themselves and learn to be resilient.

It will also encourage them to find their own way out of the boredom, and the problem-solving process helps them feel good about themselves.

University of the Sunshine Coast Associate Professor Dr Michael Nagel says we shouldn’t be too concerned if our children say they are bored, as they are actually quite capable of entertaining themselves, even those of pre-school age.

He believes self-entertainment requires children to think of things to do and to think of how to make use of the immediate environment.

They then use this to create imaginary friends, build cubby houses, play with boxes or do just about anything else that previous generations might have done.

Freedom and independence to explore through self-directed play is an important aspect of child development.

Children have an amazing capacity to play with the most mundane things and find enjoyment in them, and they don’t need to be overloaded with the latest sophisticated toys, tv and technology.

Kids don’t necessarily need to be stimulated all the time either. They need downtime, time to rest and relax.

Children’s brains are growing and changing and need a rest just like their body needs a rest.

Responding positively to children with our full attention is beneficial for their development, but that doesn’t mean we have to be the sole provider of entertainment for our kids.

Let them start thinking for themselves.
 

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