A phrase that many parents dread during summer break is the age-old, “I’m bored.” When kids are in school, their day is planned for them. They follow a class schedule. Their teacher creates the lessons and activities. They are given projects or assignments. But when school is not in session, there is a lot more downtime, and many kids are unsure what to do with themselves.
Letting your kids be bored sometimes is a good thing. You don’t have to plan out every moment of the day for them. Provide access to resources and supplies such as paper, markers, paint, empty boxes and cans, scraps of material, books, and magazines. Encourage spending time outdoors exploring in the woods (or even the neighborhood), riding their bike, or making up games or obstacle courses.
Try to disconnect for a while. When kids are bored, their go-to is often electronics. Playing video games, watching YouTube, surfing the Internet, or messaging friends. Plan for some screen-free time so they’re forced to come up with other options. Being bored can have some positive benefits:
It fosters problem solving.
It is up to your child to solve the problem of being bored. They have to come up with solutions for what they can do. If something doesn’t work out as planned, they have to adjust and figure it out. They are so used to others telling them what to do, that it can be challenging at first to do it themselves. But they will come up with something.
It inspires creativity.
When left to their own devices, kids’ imaginations can be marvelous things. Perhaps your child will use items they find around the house to build a new toy, design a game, or invent a product. Maybe they’ll write their own story or play. If they like cooking or baking, they could create their own recipe. Or maybe they’ll come up with an idea for helping people in the community and giving back.
It stimulates curiosity.
Without a specific task to focus on, kids become more aware of their surroundings. They start wondering how or why things happen. They might be curious about what happens if they use an object in a different way, or if they can make X happen if they do Y. Let them (safely) explore. They can go to the library and find books about the subject, or do a little research online during designated screen time.
It can lead to new hobbies or skills.
Boredom can be a motivator to learn something new. Maybe your child will decide to pick back up with practicing piano, or figure out how to draw their favorite comic book characters. They could decide they want to learn to sew or knit, plant a garden, or fix their bike on their own. Encourage them to pursue their interests. Since it’s something they initiated, there is less pressure to be perfect.
If they could benefit from a little more structure and routine, sign them up for academic support from Crafting Scholars. Focus on specific areas of need and set a schedule that works for you. Whether you want to get them back on track after last year, boost their organizational skills, or ensure they’re prepared for the SAT or ACT, we can help. Contact us today to get started.