The Gift of Boredom
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“Boredom is your imagination calling to you.”
People are sometimes surprised when we say, “The gift of boredom.” But it is a gift. It’s the catalyst that begins everything creative. It’s our mind’s way of finding fascination in the mundane moments. It’s the inventions invented, the stories told, the new skills developed, the friendships grown, the parties planned, the cars cleaned, the businesses built…it’s really anything we do to avoid feeling bored.
But what if we never had the chance to be bored? What if our kids never had the chance to be bored? What if, among the ipads and video games, overscheduled activities, or endless homework, our kids are losing what really matters - boredom? When I was growing up, even with all the traditional school homework and activities, sports, art school, etc. I still had the ability to be bored. In my boredom I developed my inventing, crafty, problem-solving side. I big-wheeled for hours around the neighborhood, built tree houses with towels and ropes, played ding-dong-ditch, and sold goods door-to-door. I explored without adult direction and developed my interests and sense of self. Would I have the imagination and abilities that I have today without having had the opportunity to be bored? Would my kids?
We hear all the time, “I don’t want my kids to be bored.” Or, “That was so boring.” And yes, sometimes boredom is inescapable when the boredom is coupled with a lack of tools, resources, or options at our fingertips. Or is it? I picture those kids in movies who are day dreaming, looking out the window - it’s because they’re BORED! But wait…are they? Aren’t they just traveling to far away lands? Aren’t they just writing unique stories in their little brains about the tweeting birds they see in the weeping willow trees? They are developing their creative side. But, if they were never given the opportunity to do that, then there’d be no stories of galaxy mayhem or personified squirrels delivering acorn packages to their oak tree cellars. Think of Beatrix Potter, author of the Peter Rabbit series. (There are 22 heartwarming stories in the series.) She was not allowed to play with children and even her brother was sent to boarding school. Her only friend was her governess, and her only playground was her garden. Where do you think she dreamed up all her sweet stories? In her hours of boredom!
So, our advice to you - do not fill up your homeschool day, even with wonderful things. Make sure there is opportunity for your kids to get bored. Be intentional and provide enough space in your day, in your home, and in your schedule so your kids can get bored. And then see what they do, where they go, and what they dream. You may even get to join them!
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