Boredom and less screen time is good!

Boredom and less screen time is good!

Why Kids Need More Boredom (And Less Screen Time)

When was the last time you let your kid be bored? Not entertained, not scrolling, not staring at a screen—just bored?

Boredom gets a bad rap, but here’s the truth—it’s actually good for kids. In a world where screens fill every spare moment, kids are losing the ability to be creative, problem-solve, and just be.

We’ve all seen it—the second a kid says, "I’m bored," an iPad magically appears. And sure, it keeps them quiet for a while. But in the long run? Constant entertainment is robbing them of something crucial: the ability to entertain themselves.

Why Boredom is a Superpower

Boredom Sparks Creativity
When kids aren’t spoon-fed entertainment, their brains do something incredible: they start imagining, exploring, and creating. That’s how books get written, inventions are born, and confidence is built.

It Teaches Problem-Solving
Bored kids start looking for solutions. They build forts, make up stories, or come up with new games. Without a screen doing the thinking for them, they develop critical problem-solving skills—ones they’ll actually use in real life.

Boredom Builds Emotional Resilience
Life isn’t an endless stream of excitement, and kids need to learn how to sit with their thoughts, process emotions, and be okay with quiet moments. Screens act as an escape, but learning to handle downtime makes kids more adaptable and emotionally strong.

It Encourages Reading & Writing
A bored kid with a book in front of them will eventually start reading. A blank notebook might turn into a journal, a comic strip, or a list of cool ideas. The less they rely on screens for entertainment, the more they explore their own thoughts.

How to Let Kids Be Bored (Without Losing Your Mind)

Resist the urge to hand them a screen – Let them figure out their own fun.
Give them materials, not distractions – Books, paper, art supplies, LEGOs—things that make them think.
Let them sit with boredom – It’s uncomfortable at first, but it forces creativity to kick in.
Set a “boredom challenge” – Encourage them to come up with three things they can do before asking for a screen.

Final Thoughts

Boredom isn’t the problem—it’s the gateway to brilliance. Let kids be bored. Give their brains the space to wander. You might be surprised at what they create.

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