Important Development Happens During Idle Time
It’s very hard for some parents to see their kids “un-entertained.” It’s as if the parent just can’t tolerate the thought of their child having an idle moment. Perhaps the parent is fearful that their child will get in trouble if absolutely every minute of their day isn’t “planned.” Or is it that they see a few minutes that the child is not under their control?
Whatever the reason, research and history proves that children who have no opportunities to get creative, entertain themselves or make their own decisions about their activities become totally dependent on adult guidance to solve their problems or even make the most basic decisions. The absence of freedom to self-guide reinforces learned helplessness and sets them up for difficulties.
This doesn’t mean that children should have guidance. History also proves that children are not the best decision makers. Every adult can probably remember a few really bad decisions made during their childhood.
What is important is to step back and allow your child to explore what it’s like to be responsible for filling their own idle time. Ignore their whining (and your anxiety) and watch how they handle “boredom.” You’re not being irresponsible, uncaring or cold. You’re doing something they need – you are giving them opportunity to think for themselves and occupy themselves on their own. You’re allowing their sense of self to be awakened.
This is one of the first ways that children begin to feel good about themselves for finding their way out of boredom and solving problems for themselves.
Even children of pre-school age are quite adept at entertaining themselves, if they’re simply given the chance. So parents shouldn’t become concerned if their children say they’re bored. Self-entertainment forces children to think of things to do and to think of how to make use of what is around them to do it.
Many children who have no siblings to play with create imaginary friends. It’s simply gives them a point of interaction. They usually talk and share with the imaginary friend just as they would a sibling. Kids are good at making use of their environment, playing with boxes, pillows and blankets in many different ways for hours. Children have an amazing capacity to make the most mundane things fun – which proves that they don’t necessarily need sophisticated toys, television, and technology to entertain themselves.
Boredom can actually make your child more awesome because:
- Boredom improves creativity. Daydreaming sparks creative thought.
- Boredom improves psychological well-being. Boredom helps to give life meaning.
- Boredom makes kids more motivated. Boredom is practice for making decisions.
- Boredom makes kids more interesting. Only boring people get bored.
Constant stimulation is simply not necessary. They need downtime. They need time to rest. They need time to relax. Actually children’s brains are growing and changing. Their brains need rest just like their bodies do.
What is more important than keeping children constantly entertained and busy every second is to be there with full attention so you can respond to them with positivity,, providing guidance when needed.
They have brains that need to grow. They need to try entertaining themselves with the guidance of the parents who love them and want to be a part of their development.
Boredom is good for parents too. It provides a little release from the constant entertainment cycle that parents may be in. It’s not at all wrong for parents to have time for themselves, to have moments when they enjoy watching their children explore and find their creativity.
Little Otter Swim School’s provides quality swim lessons in a safe and fun environment that are taught by caring and enthusiastic teachers. Children are learning and gaining respect and love for the water. Little Otter Swim School’s team members are passionate about teaching kids to swim and be safe as they enjoy the water. We’d love to share more of the benefits of learning to swim with you.
From Little Otter, Charlotte families receive an alternative to “typical” swim lessons in year-round, small group instruction in a warm indoor swimming pool where parents can watch their children’s progress from the comfortable viewing gallery.
Learn more about what makes Little Otter different.
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