I am bored.
Does this sound familiar? I bet.
Few months down the lockdown, schools are closed.
Children are getting bored.
Most moms and dads are trying hard to engage them in some kind of activities to maintain the sanity (of all, of course!).
So kids remain occupied most of the time and out of trouble!
As a parent we have become too much concerned about our children’s boredom and try to fix it immediately. We offer activities, TV, video games and whatever comes to mind to keep them busy, whether in lockdown or not.
You know what, It’s really good for children to sometimes get bored the old fashioned way, just sitting idly and not doing anything.
The way old times were, sitting in sun for hours, just chatting, bird watching, eating peanuts or at night counting stars.
I do not want my kids to just be on the run all the time. Because that’s what we see everywhere, every one into doing and more doing; no stopping.
When we take a break from this fast-paced life, just lie and do some chit chat, watch the different shapes in the sky, make up silly songs and jokes, read books on couch or snuggle and do nothing; a strange calmness and serenity covers us.
Though if you do it for the first time or after a long time, you might experience anxiety or pressure to do something, check your to-do list, and not just waste your time (thanks to our ‘achievement’ mindset as a society).
Interestingly, It’s been seen that after a space of doing nothing, if allowed enough; some new, unique, and creative ideas sprout from their mind. Whether its some art/craft, making silly rhymes/songs or laughing together on jokes.
It might turn into the best time they had with their sibling or you.
What usually happens is, we give up so quickly on our patience and provide them something to occupy their mind.
So how to respond when your child says s/he’s bored –
Instead of ignoring or giving solutions, just listen patiently at least for five minutes, with full focus on unconditional love.
Yup! which means no assumptions or criticisms intended.
Smile and then trust your child will find a way to entertain him/herself.
Then please wait patiently, sometimes they might crib for few (ok, many) minutes before they come up with a brilliant idea and you pat yourself for your great tolerance and patience not to give up.
Let your child create something out of nothing. Its a great life skill for them to learn and help them evolve as human beings rather than human doings.
Share what you do when your child says Mumma, I am bored (dads please replace Mumma for Dadda):)
Have you ever encouraged your child to do just nothing, how was your experience?
Please share I would love to hear.