The bored child

The bored child

All children experience boredom at one time or another. It’s normal. But did you know there are benefits to leaving a toddler bored and looking for ways to have fun on their own? Also Read: Parrot Coloring Pages

Why are parents and children uncomfortable with boredom?

Being bored from time to time is normal for a child. However, boredom is often frowned upon as our society values ​​efficient use of time. Some parents always try to occupy their child as soon as he says he is bored by finding him different interesting activities to do.

Moreover, some parents fill their child’s schedules by planning activities or enrolling them in classes. Of course, this starts with a good intention: parents want the best for their children. However, by organizing everything for them, toddlers have little free time to learn how to organize themselves and decide what they want to do.

Additionally, children who attend daycare may also find it difficult to manage their boredom because they are used to having many play partners. Even if they don’t always play with the other children at daycare, their mere presence is stimulating and entertaining for them. It can also make toddlers feel awkward when left alone: ​​they’re bored and don’t know how to play on their own.

The benefits of boredom for a child

It is important that a child experience boredom from time to time. When a toddler is alone and bored, it’s an opportunity for him to listen to his inner world, desires, and tastes. Thus, having nothing to do allows him to develop his imaginary world and his creativity. To have fun and teach him to be good with himself.
Boredom also allows us to see reality. A bored child notices details that would escape him if he were busy. For example, because he is bored, he observes the path of the drop of water. That descends along a pane of the window or that he notices this ant that advances very on the gallery. He can then invent a whole story around this drop of water or this ant. If he has the opportunity to live these moments alone.
He learns to decide for himself.

When minor works to play alone in his points of lethargy, he also creates his freedom. Free play in which a toddler decides for himself what he does teaches him to manage without constantly needing the support of others. A quality that will help him all his life to function well, for example, at daycare and school.

How to rouse your child to play solitary

The more your toddler can play alone, the less bored he will be. However, some children have not learned to play alone. See how you can encourage him to play alone.

Spend time with your child. It may seem contradictory to you, but these moments of affection and intimacy are a priority for your little one. This allows him to feel loved and gain the confidence and autonomy necessary to play on his own.

Start the activity with him, help him at first, then walk away to let him continue on his own. To encourage him to create his games, you can make positive comments on his way out, such as “Your tower is high!”. ”

Make time for free play in your child’s schedule. These moments may be boring at first but will become, over time, moments of spontaneous enriching games for him.

Please don’t rush to occupy your child when they are bored. Allow him to set his emotions into remarks by stating. “I think you’re bored. I understand you, me too, it happens to me. » Encourage him to take initiative.

Suggest a few ideas if needed.

Leave toys within your toddler’s reach suited to his abilities and tastes. Having easy access to toys that he enjoys will make it easier for your child to find ways to have fun without your help. Check out our Playing Alone fact sheet.

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