Boredom - a good thing

We highlight the importance of boredom and why this is crucial for a child’s development during the summer months. 

(Please note that this article focuses on the positive elements of boredom and provide ideas and suggestions to help overcome this topic. Keeping in mind that boredom must be approached with balance, if you notice that your child’s mental health is worsening during the summer months, do not hesitate to reach out to your MFS –NCR team.)

Today there is a large emphasis and pressure placed on connectiveness and being busy. As the summer season is upon us and school routines are at a pause, there is an adjustment to less structured activities.

Parents and caregivers will often hear that children are bored, that they want someone to play with them, or they want some quick stimulation. You’ve probably heard the phrase “I am bored, I have nothing to do, can I have the iPad?”. For some, it can be tempting to appease the child’s boredom by “giving in”, but the good news is that boredom has its benefits such as: 
•    Stimulates creativity
•    Improves mental health through self-awareness
•    Builds problem solving skills
•    Reduces self-procrastination
Boredom is a normal human experience which should be encouraged and acknowledged through shifting our mindset away from the thinking that something is wrong or needing to be fixed.

Here are some tips and tricks to deal with boredom: 

• Create a boredom jar together - 50+ Awesome Ideas for your "I'm Bored" Jar - The Savvy Sparrow

• Make a list of things to do inside and outside when you're bored - 25 Ideas for Summer Boredom Boxes to Keep the Kids Busy When School is Out (premeditatedleftovers.com)

• Schedule a playdate

• Scavenger Hunt

• Create a boredom box (using toys, books, sensory items, crafts that you have around the house)

• Board games and card games

• Go and explore nature, go for a bike ride, sports, etc. 

• 100 Fun Activities for a Bored Teen | Boredom Busters for Teenagers (suburbansimplicity.com)