We are used to thinking of boredom as something negative that should be avoided by all means. However, for children, boredom can be an unexpectedly useful developmental tool. In this article, we'll talk about this in more detail, as well as share tips on how to help children learn how to deal with boredom productively.
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Why we miss you
Boredom is an emotional state that occurs when we don't find interest in current activities. Here are a few more reasons for boredom:
No call
When tasks don't require our efforts or offer opportunities for growth, it often leads to boredom.
Monotony
Repetitive and repetitive activities can quickly become boring, as they lack novelty and variety.
No goal
When we don't have a clear goal or meaning in what we're doing, it can lead to feelings of emptiness and boredom.
Lack of stimulation
When there is a lack of external stimuli (for example, in a quiet and peaceful environment), the brain can begin to look for more interesting things to do.
Internal factors
Personality traits, such as the need for constant activity, can make a person more prone to boredom.
Social isolation
A lack of communication and interaction with others can also contribute to boredom.
Information overload
Paradoxically, too much information and entertainment can lead to boredom due to oversaturation and loss of interest.
Why boredom is good for you
Boredom can be good for kids for several reasons:
Creativity
When children get bored, they have the opportunity to come up with their own games and activities, developing creative thinking and imagination. Without external stimuli, the child begins to generate his own ideas, demonstrating originality and thinking outside the box.
The development of independence
Boredom teaches children how to find ways to keep themselves busy without adult help, which contributes to the development of independence and self-sufficiency. The child learns to make decisions, assess risks and consequences, and look for alternatives.
Awakening interest
When bored, children may start looking for new hobbies or hobbies that they might not have discovered in a full-time employment environment.
Thinking and self-discovery
Time without structured activities gives children the opportunity to reflect on their thoughts and feelings. The child learns to understand what he likes and what he doesn't like, what activities he enjoys and which he doesn't. This is an important stage in the development of self-awareness.
Strengthening ties with yourself
In moments of boredom, the child learns to find pleasure alone, to listen to his inner signals and needs. This contributes to the development of emotional maturity.
Reducing stress
Periods of inactivity can help children relax and reduce stress levels from being overstimulated or overloaded with activities.
Improving self-esteem
Successfully overcoming boredom and finding interesting activities on your own strengthens self-confidence and improves the child's self-esteem. He understands that he is able to entertain himself and organize his activities.
How to deal with boredom productively
When things get bored, the child should use this time for self-development, creativity, or solving pending tasks. Here are a few interesting options:
Diary
Encourage your child to keep a diary where they can write stories, poems, songs, and any thoughts.
drawing
Encourage your child to try new drawing materials or techniques. Experiments have not left anyone indifferent yet!
A letter
Have the child write a letter to a friend, relative, or himself in the future.
Handmade
Encourage your child to do something with their own hands.
Cookery
Bake a cake or cookies together.
Something new
Encourage your child to learn something, like coding.
Useful leisure
You can play chess together, solve a crossword puzzle, and solve a Rubik's cube.
Cleaning
Encourage your child to clean up the desk, closet, and bookshelves.
A walk
Go to a park or other interesting place in your city with your child.
It's important!
Don't try to fill your child's entire time with productive activities. Let him use boredom as an opportunity to reboot.
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