The Value In Boredom

We are halfway through the summer. By now you are probably hearing all the comments… “I am bored”, “there is nothing to do”, “can we go to…”. This can be hard and challenging. You may be experiencing your own frustration with this due to feeling as though you have to plan and cater to these comments. There is one important piece in these challenges that is getting left out. The importance and value that boredom shows. This may sound crazy, right? Boredom is often looked at as an annoying time that holds no value. One thing I often work with my clients, specifically my kiddos on is the value that boredom can hold. Let’s look at how we can reframe boredom to respond to its value and importance. 

In the book A Little Spot of Boredom it explains how boredom can be used as a time to learn something new or accept new challenges. This is exactly right. Boredom is a space that allows us time to take on a new skill, try a new activity, or challenge ourselves with a new task. It can help build resilience, learn how to self-entertain, as well as learn the importance of down time.  All of these things are great, right? The challenge now is teaching and educating our littles the value that boredom has as well. 

In times that your littles share the boredom, let’s look at ways to begin sparking creativity and growing their skills. This could be different based on the situation. Maybe this is encouraging imaginary play. Or maybe this is suggesting taking time to practice a new skill or to try something new. Possibilities could be endless and could result in the child growing in ways that may not have been tried before. The next time your child is having challenges with boredom, take time to remember the possibilities of growth that could arise with it. 

Source: https://www.dianealber.com/products/copy-of-a-little-spot-of-frustration-a-story-about-self-control

Written by: Jordan Allen