The Gift of Boredom: Why It's OK to Be Bored
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The concept of embracing boredom and encouraging creativity and self-reliance in downtime is a topic many parents and educators resonate with. It also fits into the larger conversation around mindfulness, screen time, and encouraging creativity in kids. I’ve written this from the viewpoint of a parent to child… but if you struggle with downtime / device usage take a moment to read and reflect the important lessons you can learn from "feeling bored”.
As parents, we often feel the need to fill our children's time with activities, entertainment, or education. We want them to thrive, so we create packed schedules, offer endless options for learning and play, and give them access to devices for when they “run out of things to do.” But what if I told you that one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the opportunity to be bored?
The Value of Downtime
In today’s world, there’s constant stimulation - TV, games, apps, and an array of scheduled activities. But when children experience boredom, they’re given a chance to develop essential skills that will benefit them for life. Boredom teaches them to be resourceful and creative. It pushes them to explore their own interests, passions, and the world around them, rather than waiting for something external to engage them.
When a child says, "I'm bored," it’s often a moment of discomfort for both parent and child. But I encourage my kids to embrace boredom because it helps them build the ability to find their own entertainment, work through frustration, and think independently. Downtime is where imagination takes root. Without a constant stream of activities or distractions, kids learn how to fill their time in ways that can be incredibly fulfilling.
Creativity is Born from Boredom
Think back to your own childhood. How many times were you bored and ended up discovering a new hobby or learning something new about yourself? Whether it was building forts, drawing pictures, or creating stories, boredom often sparks the greatest acts of creativity. Without a pre-designed activity, kids are forced to dive into their imagination.
In fact, many experts argue that this kind of unstructured time is essential for cognitive development. It gives the brain time to rest and daydream, leading to better problem-solving skills and original thinking. When my children come to me asking for screen time, I often encourage them to explore boredom first. Rather than reaching for the remote or the tablet, they can find something meaningful to do - often surprising themselves with what they come up with.
The Role of Screens
Now, don't get me wrong—there's a time and place for screens, and I don’t think we need to eliminate them completely. However, I’ve found that when kids rely too heavily on devices for entertainment, it hinders their ability to think creatively. Their boredom is quickly filled by something external rather than the internal desire to explore or create.
When we always have something to do, we don’t know how to handle downtime. This can lead to feelings of restlessness or even anxiety in moments when there is no stimulation. That’s why I believe it’s important to allow children time away from devices so they can learn the value of being bored.
How to Encourage Healthy Boredom
If you’re wondering how to encourage boredom in a healthy, productive way, here are a few strategies I use:
Conclusion: Boredom as a Lifelong Skill
Teaching our kids that it’s okay to be bored is one of the most valuable lessons we can offer. By allowing them space to navigate their own discomfort, we help them develop independence, creativity, and resilience. Instead of seeing boredom as something negative, we can begin to view it as an essential part of their growth.
The next time your child says, “I’m bored,” resist the urge to immediately fill their time. Instead, offer them the opportunity to discover something new within themselves. After all, the ability to enjoy downtime is a skill they’ll carry with them throughout life.
As parents, we often feel the need to fill our children's time with activities, entertainment, or education. We want them to thrive, so we create packed schedules, offer endless options for learning and play, and give them access to devices for when they “run out of things to do.” But what if I told you that one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the opportunity to be bored?
The Value of Downtime
In today’s world, there’s constant stimulation - TV, games, apps, and an array of scheduled activities. But when children experience boredom, they’re given a chance to develop essential skills that will benefit them for life. Boredom teaches them to be resourceful and creative. It pushes them to explore their own interests, passions, and the world around them, rather than waiting for something external to engage them.
When a child says, "I'm bored," it’s often a moment of discomfort for both parent and child. But I encourage my kids to embrace boredom because it helps them build the ability to find their own entertainment, work through frustration, and think independently. Downtime is where imagination takes root. Without a constant stream of activities or distractions, kids learn how to fill their time in ways that can be incredibly fulfilling.
Creativity is Born from Boredom
Think back to your own childhood. How many times were you bored and ended up discovering a new hobby or learning something new about yourself? Whether it was building forts, drawing pictures, or creating stories, boredom often sparks the greatest acts of creativity. Without a pre-designed activity, kids are forced to dive into their imagination.
In fact, many experts argue that this kind of unstructured time is essential for cognitive development. It gives the brain time to rest and daydream, leading to better problem-solving skills and original thinking. When my children come to me asking for screen time, I often encourage them to explore boredom first. Rather than reaching for the remote or the tablet, they can find something meaningful to do - often surprising themselves with what they come up with.
The Role of Screens
Now, don't get me wrong—there's a time and place for screens, and I don’t think we need to eliminate them completely. However, I’ve found that when kids rely too heavily on devices for entertainment, it hinders their ability to think creatively. Their boredom is quickly filled by something external rather than the internal desire to explore or create.
When we always have something to do, we don’t know how to handle downtime. This can lead to feelings of restlessness or even anxiety in moments when there is no stimulation. That’s why I believe it’s important to allow children time away from devices so they can learn the value of being bored.
How to Encourage Healthy Boredom
If you’re wondering how to encourage boredom in a healthy, productive way, here are a few strategies I use:
- Limit Screen Time – Set boundaries around when and how much screen time is allowed. Explain to your kids that this is to help them discover other things they enjoy doing.
- Provide Open-Ended Materials – Keep art supplies, building blocks, books, and other materials available. The key is to avoid giving specific instructions so kids can create or explore in their own way.
- Embrace Nature – Outdoor play is one of the best ways to inspire creativity. Nature itself provides endless opportunities for discovery and imagination.
- Lead by Example – Let your kids see you embrace downtime without screens. Whether it’s reading, gardening, or simply enjoying a moment of quiet, they’ll follow your lead.
- Encourage Reflection – If your kids struggle with boredom, ask them what they might like to do. Guide them in thinking through options without giving them the answers directly.
Conclusion: Boredom as a Lifelong Skill
Teaching our kids that it’s okay to be bored is one of the most valuable lessons we can offer. By allowing them space to navigate their own discomfort, we help them develop independence, creativity, and resilience. Instead of seeing boredom as something negative, we can begin to view it as an essential part of their growth.
The next time your child says, “I’m bored,” resist the urge to immediately fill their time. Instead, offer them the opportunity to discover something new within themselves. After all, the ability to enjoy downtime is a skill they’ll carry with them throughout life.