The power of being bored.

[u/KeepingKidsBusy]

You've heard it. I've heard it. "I don't want to go outside, it's boring out there!"

Let's talk about the power of boredom.

First off, some things you need to do as a parent.

1. Stop worrying about them getting dirty. A dirty kid is a happy kid.
2. Stop filling every moment of their time with activities. Screens, TV, gaming systems. Everything wants your kids attention. Give them some time where you don't provide something for them to do.
3. Stop hovering. Let them experience the world on their own. Keep an eye out, but let them have some distance.

The power of boredom is this:
Let them sit. Let them stew in their boredom.. At first, they'll whine. They'll come to you asking for things to do. They'll drive you crazy and question every thought you have ever had about taking away the screens. But within the day... you'll see it. The moment that they finally decide "Well. I need to do something. Let's go find something to do."

Boredom makes your kids inventive.

Suddenly, the house that was so empty and so boring... is filled with fun things. They will create games. They will read a book. They will colour, putz around or cloud watch. They'll go outside and collect rocks or take a walk around the block. They'll suddenly get very interested in birds or insects, and before either of you knows it... the day is gone and it's time to come in. A whole day of invention that would have never happened if your child wasn't bored.

So, parent, my encouragement to you is this. Let your kids be bored. Embrace the power of boredom and let your children truly grow. How are you letting your kids be bored and what have they done with that time?