Julie

It is a dangerous precedent to feel compelled to entertain your children all the time. Boredom is the precursor to creativity. When my children were bored, I suggested house chores. Even the smallest child can sort socks, or empty the bathroom wastebaskets. Sometimes the kids did take me up on the chores. Most of the time they found something else to do. My job was done.

Letting kids be bored, doesn’t mean you need to totally ignore them. Long weekends are good for movie viewings and popcorn. Avoid endless screen time where you have to declare an artificial end to viewing. A movie has a natural ending, signaling its time to get up and play. Set the movie time to 2:00, giving your little ones something to look forward to and building anticipation. It’s the anticipation that gives us the dopamine rush.

Hikes, bikes, or just general playing outside should be required time on the weekends. After outside time sit together and read a chapter book, or listen to an audiobook or model reading time so child follows suit.

What are you doing on the weekend? Can your child work alongside you? If you are making breakfast, why can’t they help you crack eggs? Pioneer families weren’t worried about entertaining their children. Chores needed to get done and dinner needed to be put on the table. Children either helped or played outside. These children grew up and none of them needed therapy or drugs to function. Parents need to make sure their children are likable, and resourceful. Allowing children to nag and whine, demanding to be entertained, means they are neither likable nor resourceful. Let your kids be bored. It’s good for them.