to think a bit of boredom isn't a bad thing?

[Kendodd]

Talking to other parents and child carers it seems to be a very bad thing, they have to be stimulated all the time or they're not learning. Why should we constantly entertain our children? If they are bored they are forced to use their imagination, be resourceful, find something to do. And if they can't do that, then tough, I'm bored sometimes, it's not the end of the world and I'm a parent not a red coat.

I know I won't win any mother of the year competitions but I'm not planing on entering any, flame me.

My other stock phrase mrsgetonwithit!
Followed by 'I wish that I had the time to be bored'.

Lamorna...

I like it and will be using that phrase today. lol

There is a difference between boredom and existential angst.

Bonsoir, have you not considered that the boredom is a condition of teenagers and that even those who do not have 'serious mental health issues' will often claim that they are 'SOOO BOReD!'. I think that you are partially right however, the kids who end up with problems with drugs, anorexia etc.. are those for whom the expectations have just been too high/prescriptive; not boredom, but a misunderstanding of the child, leading to mis-matching activities for him/her.

I believe that constructive boredom is necessary, for their sanity and mine! .

Also, bonsoir, you say that some people have a greater capacity of imagination than others and that this is genetic... Where is your proof? It is true that a good imagination is a sign of mental health and security, but I'm not sure that you can go further than this....

Also, imagination flourishes when external stimulii are not present (TV, computer games, fabulous toys..); a field, a friend and a stick can be sufficient for the most exciting games. (the friend is not always necessary either!! My 10 year old can spend hours in the garden with his stick and his imagination.)

Ha - am so glad to have other fellow Idlers! (Sorry, had to go to bed last night - due to smallest ds's v un-idle habit of waking up at 4.30am at the moment.)
Cathycat (assuming you are one and the same as cathcat, used to chat to you about our lovely dads long time ago) - I totally agree about lazy Saturdays - ds1 REFUSES to get out of his pyjamas on Saturday mornings, and mithers about playing quite happily. We usually do something together when ds2 is napping, like cooking, hama beads, reading...but the rest of the time he's left to his own devices whilst I potter around and get on with things. Tis lovely! Suits us all. Can't think of anything worse than rushing out to football, ballet or whatever else every Saturday morning.

i like it when DD2 (13) is bored becasue she cleans and bakes - couple of weekends ago she cleaned the insides of all the windows which hadn't been done for a long time while; most of this week she has been baking cakes, scones and flapjacks in the evening (although not washing up after herself); and at the moment she is clearing up all of the downstairs in preparation for hoovering. Leaves me with loads of time to MN get on wiht other things

"So, boredom is not a bad thing, it's an opportunity."

I totally agree.

There is so much pressure on parents to constantly entertain their children - whether through homework, extra workbooks, 'quality time', crafts or expensive after-school activities. IMO it's largely due to the emphasis on exam results, and it starts so young due to SATs

When I resist the temptation to direct DD's play I am amazed with what she comes up with all by herself! She makes so many discoveries because children are naturally curious. If a parent takes over ALL of their play, this can easily be drummed out of them.

In my experience boredom is the last factor with teens confined to highly pressurised schools who then become ill e.g. anorexia, self harming. The reasons are hugely complex but not enough time to think or reflect plus ridiculous workloads play a major part !! More boredom for our children please, well not boredom but downtime to let what they're learning about life naturally filter through.