In fact, boredom is essential to children’s brain development. We know it might sound contradicting but we are sharing some benefits of boredom for kids!

1. Improves screen time habits 

For the most part, adults are feeling guilty of  being bored just like kids, and we tend to avoid such situations by using our smartphones or tablets. However, children quickly notice their parent’s activities and start copying those behaviours. It is evident that parents don’t want to teach their kids to waste time scrolling through social media or watching movies all the time. 

When you are bored, get off the screens and get involved in some activities with the kids. You can leverage your creativity to create a new game, bake some cookies, take a walk around the park or neighbourhood, or do some craft activities. In simpler words, boredom can be a great way of bonding together rather than scrolling the internet aimlessly. 

2. Helps develop connections 

There are chances you are getting bored with the kids and that's completely normal. It is evident that repeating the same activities can make you tired. In fact, research says that parents who simply accept boredom as a normal instance of parenthood rather than creating meaningful and fulfilling activities all the time tend to have happier families in the longer run. 

3. Helps learn new things 

With the hustle and bustle of life, school, and extracurricular activities take up the majority of a kid's time which does not leave any time to learn new things. Boredom will free up your child’s mind to learn new things. As parents, we must understand that kids are learning machines and they have an internal mechanism that limits them from wasting time on activities, particularly the ones that don’t have a higher learning value. 

Children can be easily entertained and a new toy or an object can be used to cure their boredom. You can choose some object that you have at home, kitchen utensils, and see how your children explore it and use their imagination. Even more, you can move and switch position of their books or toys to change the way of presentation. With a new presentation, kids will be motivated to explore new things. 

4. Induces creative thinking 

Sure, your child hates being bored but it can effectively affect creative thinking. In addition, it induces independent thinking that helps kids develop their personal ideas. That is because boredom develops perseverance, interest, curiosity, confidence, and interest. It's essential for your kids to have space to develop those skills.

For the same reason, parents don't need to feel pressured to provide entertainment at all times. In fact, it is suggested to leave some free time slots with zero plans to let your child use his or her imagination and creativity to figure out the next step – they will be able to create new thoughts and activities.

5. Helps quiet the brain

Having a moment of peace and quiet is as important for kids as it’s for adults. So, it is best to eliminate all the hustle and noise around. When children have a chance to sit around quietly, it gives them a feeling of peace, which lays a strong foundation for the busy years of adulthood that are about to become part of their lives. 

6. Fosters the interests 

Parents try everything to create a stimulating environment that helps children grow and allows freedom of expression. Creating a nurturing environment and giving children free time slots willingly lets them become curious and use their creativity and imagination, resulting in resilient and independent growth. 

In fact, kids that indulge in unstructured activities and plays can develop promising decision-making skills and identify the areas of interest. So, letting your kids wallow in boredom will help you see a new side of them. It not only helps them find activities for themselves, but they will also be able to foster their interests and be entertained on their own. 

7. Free time for parents 

As a parent, you often go on a trip and feel guilty whenever the kids are roaming around aimlessly, which means your thoughts are busy all the time. Believe it or not, this can become extremely frustrating for many parents. Letting your kids be bored actually creates free time for parents. That is because boredom helps them have fun on their own, so parents can catch their breath and have a break. 

We understand that it can be a challenging concept to embrace but it is one of the best things you will do for yourself and your children. In fact, with time, your kids will stop groaning and will quit longing for your attention at all times. 

Summary

Helping your kids perceive boredom as an opportunity will do great things for them as well as for you. Boredom will make them try new activities, learn how to be independent, entertain themselves, develop tolerance towards frustration, and acquire problem-solving and decision-making skills. On top of everything, it will help them build confidence. So, the next time your child says that he/she is bored, just tell them to try out something new rather than leaving everything to create new activities for them!