"I think it's necessary to let kids get bored once in a while - that's how they learn to be creative." - Kim Raver
What Happens When We Shield Kids From Boredom
"From books, arts, and sports classes to iPads and television, many parents do everything in their power to entertain and educate their children. But what would happen if children were just left to be bored from time to time? How would it affect their development?[...]
Parents often feel guilty if children complain of boredom. But it’s actually more constructive to see boredom as an opportunity rather than a deficit. Parents do have a role, but rushing in with ready-made solutions is not helpful. Rather, children need the adults around them to understand that creating their own pastimes requires space, time, and the possibility of making a mess (within limits—and to be cleared up afterwards by the children themselves). [read more]
Parents often feel guilty if children complain of boredom. But it’s actually more constructive to see boredom as an opportunity rather than a deficit. Parents do have a role, but rushing in with ready-made solutions is not helpful. Rather, children need the adults around them to understand that creating their own pastimes requires space, time, and the possibility of making a mess (within limits—and to be cleared up afterwards by the children themselves). [read more]
Reading Corner
Title: I'm Bored
By: Michael Ian Black
Ages: 3-8
"There is NOTHING boring about being a kid, but one little girl is going to have to prove it in this anything-but-boring picture book.
Just when a little girl thinks she couldn’t possibly be more bored, she stumbles upon a potato who turns the tables on her by declaring that children are boring. But this girl isn’t going to let a vegetable tell her what’s what, so she sets out to show the unimpressed potato all the amazing things kids can do. Too bad the potato is anything but interested….
This tongue-in-cheek twist on a familiar topic is sure to entertain anyone who’s ever been bored—or had to hear about someone else being bored." - Publishers
By: Michael Ian Black
Ages: 3-8
"There is NOTHING boring about being a kid, but one little girl is going to have to prove it in this anything-but-boring picture book.
Just when a little girl thinks she couldn’t possibly be more bored, she stumbles upon a potato who turns the tables on her by declaring that children are boring. But this girl isn’t going to let a vegetable tell her what’s what, so she sets out to show the unimpressed potato all the amazing things kids can do. Too bad the potato is anything but interested….
This tongue-in-cheek twist on a familiar topic is sure to entertain anyone who’s ever been bored—or had to hear about someone else being bored." - Publishers
Recommended by Cubs Editors
Be the Change
In a fast paced life, slowing down can sometimes really bring in fresh perspectives and gratitude for everything. Based on this week's article, tips and methods - try experimenting 'Boredom' with your child - for a day or may be even for a week. See what creative ideas spur up in the process. Make a diary of simple ordinary observations that come up within you and how you creatively handled them.
