Multiple studies related to boredom and preschool children indicate that boredom itself may be beneficial for early childhood development. The key is to show young kids that boredom is an opportunity to learn and discover, to invent and transform things instead of sitting silently idle. Here are 4 simple tips for promoting developmental activity as a direct approach to childhood boredom.
1. Nurture Creativity
The simple response to a preschool child saying that "There is nothing to do" is a confident response of "It is time to find something new to do instead." Think of silly games, dress up in cultural-themed costumes, or hunt bugs in the park. The world is full of exciting activities that small kids have never tried at all, but they need to be engaged in finding ideas that appeal to them rather than being "assigned" things to do.
2. Provide Opportunity
If your child can't think of anything to do, she should stop and consider things she has wanted to do but never got around to, activities she really enjoys but hasn't engaged in for a while, or maybe tackling a puzzle or project that she has been having difficulty with. "Nothing to do" is an opportunity to do anything at all.
3. Explore New Things
Children can be thought of as empty vessels waiting to be filled with knowledge and experience. Their memory only extends a few years back, at best, and they cannot have had many extensive and meaningful experiences during that time. There is plenty to learn and see, taste, touch, hear, and do. Try stocking a small bookshelf with an assortment of books for kids, including books with fun activities that children can explore and do by themselves.
4. Art, Music, and Motion
A shelf or chest with an assortment of child-sized instruments and implements can be a motivator for small children. Music players encourage children to dance and move about, and it is commonly accepted that music is sometimes calming, lending itself to greater focus and critical thinking. Just drawing a picture of what a musical piece means to them gives children an avenue of expression that can be easily communicated or even discussed.
The takeaway is that bored children are expressing a need to focus on possibilities and preferences. There is more to do than they may realize and simple encouragement or gentle nudges may be all your child really needs.
