GUILT.  It’s the feeling most parents know very well.  We feel guilty for what we are doing, what we aren’t doing, and are so busy and tired that a lot of times it’s easier to just let the kids have or do what they want.  Enter screen time.

The constant bombardment of advertising for entertainment related activities has led us down the path of cramming schedules full of activities, and being held responsible for our children’s happiness and every move.

“I’m bored.”  We have all heard it, and we are all guilty of being the supplier of activities for kids to do. We have taken it upon ourselves to ensure that the children are always entertained.

Rewind 20, 30, maybe 40 years… to when you were a child yourself.  What did you do for fun?  What did you get lost in?  When did you relax, let go, and let your imagination wander?  What came out of those moments?

I think you know where I am going with this.  Those times of boredom are the times when we sit with ourselves, we find ourselves.  We get creative, problem solve, and most importantly, learn to motivate ourselves.  We find what makes us tick, our unique individual talents and thoughts.

“Children need to sit in the nothingness of boredom in order to arrive at an understanding of who they are.” – Dr. Vanessa LaPointe

Great ideas come when we have down time, so try something new.  Next time your child says “I’m bored,” don’t give them a list of options.  Let them know that they will come up with something.  They will grumble, they will get frustrated, but eventually they will come up with their own way to play… and THAT is when the magic will happen.  Do your child a favour, and let them be bored!