A bit of boredom is not a bad thing.
It can actually do children some good, according to parenting website raisingchildren.net.au.
Parents can find tips and information on children and play from a new video series about the benefits of boredom.
“When children are required to find something to do, they’re forced to use their problem-solving skills, creative thinking and imagination to play,” says Associate Professor Julie Green.
Prof Green is a director of raisingchildren.net.au and Acting CEO of the Parenting Research Centre.
“It can really be worth parents holding their nerve when the kids complain about being bored. It shows children it isn’t the end of the world to be a bit bored and to work through it,” she said.
“It’s important for parents to play with their children but they don’t have to entertain them all the time.”
With school holidays fast approaching that may be music to parents’ ears.
Boredom allows children to:
· let their thoughts and imaginations roam
· explore ideas and think creatively
· choose activities that match moods – for example, if your child is feeling full of energy, they might want and need to be physically active.
Raisingchildren.net.au is an Australian Government funded parenting website providing trustworthy, evidence-based information to help parents grow and learn together with their children.
Watch the videos here:
After more parenting tips, including how to reduce your child’s screen time? Check out https://parentswishlist.com/
