It’s okay to be bored

“Mom, I’m bored!” While your impulse may be to immediately suggest a litany of new activities or hand kids a device, research shows that learning how to navigate boredom is a vital skill that can be taught and nurtured.

Rather than to be avoided, boredom can nudge the brain from being externally stimulated to entering a state of calm introspection. This state

of mind is essential for problem solving, fostering creativity, processing emotions and relieving stress. It’s the space where preschoolers conquer new skills and teens make decisions about their future.

Improve boredom tolerance through practice. Set aside unstructured, electronic-free play time daily, even for big kids. Bonus if it is outdoors. Set specific device-free times, such as during meals, in the car and before bed.

Of course, chronic or pervasive boredom can be a sign of an underlying problem. Are there issues with school, poor sleep, bullying, or depression? Depending on the severity, consider enlisting the help of a pediatrician or mental health therapist.

Learning to navigate boredom is a lifelong skill. Who knows, your middle-schooler might just get so bored they start telling you about their day!

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Dr. Amy Kinkel

awesomepossumpeds.com

521-229-5846

4730 Village Plaza Loop #100

Eugene, OR 97401