Boredom breeds creativity
A lazy Sunday afternoon ... if you're a parent or caregiver, you know this well.
If you are a parent or caregiver then you’ve definitely been here …
… a lazy Sunday afternoon of relaxation and getting some household chores done. Your kids are in the house and then they utter the two words we have all heard before: “I’m Bored!”
Even with a playroom filled with toys, kids will still bump up against boredom. When my daughters offer up those two words they know my standard response is “good - boredom breeds creativity!”
Boredom requires our children to think outside the box and get creative about ways to entertain themselves. Boredom can also promote independent play, an understanding of their sense of self, and what activities stimulate their interests.
I have also noticed that overstimulation (too much time on a screen or electronic device) can lead to boredom. It is important to give our brains a break from the constant barrage of screens, messaging and games. Below are a few of our tips to help children get out of boredom and into creative flow:
Get Outside! Nature is our playground.. When children play outside their imagination opens and anything becomes possible. A stick can become a wand and a log can become a balance beam!
Implement a Toy Rotation. By putting a few toys away, and rotating your toys every few months, what once was an “old” toy seemingly becomes “new” again.
Put on Music. When my girls are bored I will take out some crayons, markers, and paper and put on their favorite Disney soundtrack. The music elevates the mood and soon enough they are drawing and singing.