Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful winter break and are settling easefully back into your regular family routines. As for me, a phrase from our last blog post of the year really stuck with me through the break and I felt it needed further exploration. Namely, “the idea that boredom is a natural and healthy part of developing creativity.” As I watched my kids’ varied strategies for handling (and mishandling) their own boredom, I realized that the benefits of those empty, uncomfortable moments reach far beyond the development of creativity.
So I did a little research to see what the science says and was surprised to find that childhood boredom is a big topic right now. And the experts seem to agree that exposure to boredom is an important part of a child’s growth and well-being, fostering creativity, independence, emotional resilience, cognitive development, and even connection.
Dr. Becky Kennedy, a clinical psychologist known for her work with children and families, even suggests that parents purposefully work in opportunities for their children to experience the discomfort of boredom so they will be better equipped to handle real-world difficulties and compromises when they’re older.
Boredom is, by definition, an uncomfortable feeling. And it is tempting to try to help your child escape that sensation. After all, it is easy for the non-bored to cook up myriad possibilities. But have you ever noticed that, no matter how many fabulous ideas you suggest, none are acceptable to the bored child? It turns out, ideas may not be what they really need. They are on the brink of discovery and growth!
The following are some boredom-induced discoveries that I witnessed during winter break, along with the longer-term benefits that lead so many experts to promote embracing, rather than trying to “fix” childhood boredom.
Boredom cultivates creativity and imagination. When my kids were bored over break, they tended to use their imaginations to create their own entertainment. Building forts out of cushions and sheets, dreaming up fantastical adventures for their stuffed animals, inventing new games, and drawing or writing sparked hours of play and creative development. This type of play is crucial in childhood because it prepares children for a complex world by encouraging innovative thinking and exploration.
Boredom enhances problem-solving skills. I was delighted to witness my kids solving the boredom “problem” by exploring new hobbies (ornament-making, weaving, yo-yoing), reorganizing their own and their sibling’s rooms, and conjuring up ways to entertain each other. These small problem-solving experiences lay the foundation for larger cognitive skills, such as planning, organizing, and decision-making.
Boredom supports physical wellbeing. Boredom in our house often produces a physical response—running, using the pogo stick, organizing a jump rope competition, walking down to the YMCA for a workout (for the older kids). This spontaneous activity is important for developing gross motor skills, coordination, and overall physical health.
Boredom supports mental wellbeing. I also noticed that the most decidedly boring days over the break were the most reflective days. The kids’ minds had the space to wander, reflect, and process the information they’ve been absorbing. Boredom allows the brain to take a break from constant stimulation. Just like adults, children need time to rest and recharge. This mental downtime is essential for long-term focus, learning, and creativity.
Boredom encourages emotional growth and self-regulation. While it may seem unpleasant at first, the discomfort of being bored can teach children patience and mindfulness. By allowing them to experience and work through boredom, parents are giving children the opportunity to sit with their emotions. This creates space for them to recognize and understand how they are feeling, rather than seeking immediate distraction. With practice, children learn to cope with their feelings of restlessness, boredom, and discomfort—a self-regulation skill that will be invaluable in managing the stresses and demands of everyday life.
Boredom promotes independence. Even though my kids did not appreciate my enthusiastic celebrations of their proclamations of boredom, in the end they did appreciate the opportunities to choose what to do with their time and the outcomes of their activities. This type of independence to practice making their own decisions builds confidence and self-reliance and allows children to discover and develop special interests.
Boredom fosters connection. While it’s important for children to learn independence, boredom can also create opportunities for meaningful connection. When my kids were bored, they came to me or their dad or initiated interactions with other family members or friends which often led to talking, making up stories together, or working on a project. These moments of connection build stronger relationships and improve social skills.
The world is filled with moments of discomfort—whether it’s boredom, disappointment, or frustration. Experiencing boredom in a safe, nurturing environment helps children build resilience. They learn that it’s okay to experience negative emotions and that these feelings can be worked through, not avoided.
So, rather than endeavoring to fill every moment with something “productive” or “fun,” we might embrace boredom as a vital part of childhood development. After all, some of the best moments in childhood take root in in the quiet spaces of nothingness, where the seeds of imagination and growth are planted.
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