Benefits of boredom

  • Encourage imagination and creativity
  • Teaches 'grit':being bored is an important way to develop this 'grit'.
  • Develops problem-solving skills: this encourages initiative
  • Builds confidence: they can try new things, test their limits and take risks, which will all build their confidence.
  • Improves mental health: gives children the opportunity to think their own thoughts and get to know themselves better.
  • Creates a sense of belonging.

How to make the best of boredom

  • Have a daily activity detox.
  • Nominate some time a day where the family has no structured activities, and make it up as you go along.
  • Give them a creative, open-ended task like buiding an obstacle course or setting up a treasure hunt. This will inspire creativity.
  • Don't mind the mess: you can make it a condition that your child has to help tidy up afterwards.