Life seem to be a nonstop roller coaster for children.
During the holiday period they barely have a second to catch their breath as parents, including myself, frantically think of ways to entertain them. I am already planning what we can do as a family in the half-term break and we have only just got over the Christmas period.
Looking back at my childhood, it is a complete contrast.
I spent the days looking for ways to entertain myself which included playing board games, reading books, playing hopscotch with friends, and going for a mini adventure on my bicycle; often going out on my own with my brother. If my parents took me to the zoo or the theme park it was unusual. In addition to this, we all looked forward to a week at the nearest seaside resort.
I never, for one second, expected my parents to look for ways to keep me entertained.
Looking back I was a bored kid too….
As I look back at my childhood and compare it to my children’s lifestyle, I don’t ever feel that I never missed out on anything, as I smile at all those fond memories or dirty knees, and rushing back in time for tea.
The long summer holidays were spent entertaining myself; role-playing with my doll’s house, as well as taking time to paint and draw for my parents. My brother was a constant companion, until his teenage years meant it wasn’t “cool” to hang out with my anymore.
Time moved slower; I had time to ponder and let my imagination go wild. Could that be because I didn’t have a huge amount of activities lined up, and we were just counting down to the next trip, class or playdate? Being bored was OK; it become an inspiration to explore and use my imagination. So is it really something MY children should worry about?
In today’s world, the young rarely take a breather. We have so many technological wonders to stimulate; the internet, computer games and digital television packages availlable on call as soon as there is a hint of the dreaded…
“I’m Bored”
Perhaps the more options we give to our children, the less they will do for themselves and will only expect more and more?
I have certainly noticed that if my Stuntboy has spent a few hours watching television overa few days, then that phrase is all too quick to escape his lips…
I begin to wonder whether it is everyday guilt that makes us feel the need to fill any gaps with days out and new distrations.
Boredom can be the start of something special….
There are parenting professionals, such as A-Ha Parenting, that advise being bored as a child is perfectly acceptable, it will actually encourage them to explore their imagination. If children are left to entertain themselves without any aids, then this will allow them the time and space to think for themselves. To build those all important imagination bricks.
We only have certain days when computers and iPads can be switched on and we limit television. Stuntboy would watch all day if he could BUT over the holidays, when they were without it for long periods, the clamour to watch was replaced by Hama Beads, Lego and drawing.
In the last few months, the kids have loved being outside in the park, collecting conkers and pine cones to use as decorations. It brings me great joy to watch my children play how I used to.
So when your children are slightly frustrated from having nothing to do, give them reassurance that this is OK, and that we too, as parents, can feel like that as well. But those moments give us opportunities both to enjoy as we stand back and breathe, as well as offering our minds the freedom to explore the world around.
Do your kids get bored – do you schedule – what are your thoughts?
Photo credit: Stuart Miles / freedigitalphotos.net
Helen
Helen is a mum to two, social media consultant, and website editor; and this site is (we think) the only Social Enterprise parenting magazine!Since giving up being a business analyst when juggling travel, work and kids proved too complicated, she founded KiddyCharts so she could be with her kids, and use those grey cells at the same time.KiddyCharts has reach of over 1.1million across social and the site. The blog works with big family brands (including travel) to help promote their services, as well as offering free resources to parents of kids under 10.It gives 51%+ profits to Reverence for Life, who fund a number of important initiatives in Africa, including bringing running water and basic equipment to a school in Tanzania.Helen has worked as a digital marketing consultant (IDM qualified) with various organisations, including Channel Mum, Truprint, Talk to Mums, and Micro Scooters. She loves to be creative in the brand campaigns she works on.Get in touch TODAY!
Swapna
Monday 23rd of February 2015
I wish I could just let him be bored! I SO wish! But my kid was a total helicopter-child. Glued to me all the time, wanted to DO something all the time, AND would want be involved in his play all the time. But lately I have seen a difference. I give him something to do, which lasts for about fifteen mins, and then he's tripping on his own for an hour. So I have some hope in life!
So whenever he's on his own , I NEVER call him to do anything! I want him used to it!
Swapna
ThePracticalMomBlog.Blogspot.in
Ashley S.
Monday 23rd of February 2015
I agree with you! Being bored is important-- it creates the space needed for creativity and also decision making skills. Definitely something to keep in mind!
Nina
Thursday 19th of February 2015
I let my kids get bored all the time haha! Usually my five-year-old will say he has nothing to do, and I'll say, "Hmm, what can we do about that?" or "I bet you can find something fun to do. You're pretty good at doing that!"
I do however try to schedule outings on weekends and vacations, but nothing crazy. I try to keep outings to one a day if we are going to be out and about. I think it's great for kids to do plenty of down time at home too. Usually that's when they do arts and crafts, read or play with cars for a long time.