Page 6 | To think we’re raising kids terrified of boredom?

BoredomIsHealthy · 2025-12-21T11:10:36+00:00

Kids seem unable to sit with boredom - everything must be entertaining, instant, stimulating. AIBU to think boredom builds resilience and creativity, and we’re avoiding it?

phoenixrosehere · 23/12/2025 23:50

OhDear111 · 23/12/2025 16:31

@phoenixrosehere You don’t need to drive in London but elsewhere it can make you unemployable. Or you cannot actually get to work as there’s no buses. In some places in the country driving is a vital skill. However it’s like many of the aspects we are talking about, young people need an array of skills, not just a degree.

I know. I also don’t live in London and don’t have to drive neither does my MIL. I live in a commuter town in Oxfordshire and she lives in a village outside of Newcastle and has lived there all of her life and is in her 70s, but it always comes up on MN.

I agree with an array of skills and that was how I was raised on top of getting a degree. As I said, I learned plenty of things from watching screens and reading books.

OhDear111 · 24/12/2025 09:10

@GalaxyJam Don’t forget the rest of us and other dc “pay” for really poor parenting. It’s not an impact free decision. Of course it’s hard work and dc with additional needs are going to need extra help but when dc cannot concentrate, cannot play appropriately and seek 100% attention from adults, it gives schools and eventually society a big problem. Clearly Covid impacted some dc but that was a time when children using their imagination could have been encouraged. Instead parents found it hell because dc needed constant attention. I truly hope children are never locked down again.

Punkerplus · 24/12/2025 09:24

Namechange8240 · 23/12/2025 16:57

We do tend to take our DC (9 and 7) out a lot, but it's more to give them exercise and fresh air. DC do need daily time outside. So sometimes it could be a farm or zoo, but other times the park, beach or woods where they may play imaginatively, in the mud, climb trees etc.

I also find that after a period of being outside, they're more able to play at home by themselves. (DD also has ADHD and this is a known thing based on research).

However we are also probably guilty of too much screen time.

We've had a rare day completely inside today and they've had plenty of TV watching, but also done a sticker book (DD), play doh (DS) and DD has edited the short play she wrote yesterday using dictation technology (and which her and DS are currently practising and filming).

I think there's a difference between going outside for fresh air and for exercise such as to the park etc and constant scheduled activities.

I'm a massive fan of getting outside ever day (weather dependent of course). Even if we have a quiet day, we'll normally still go out to the park next to our house or a walk or run about outside. I find fresh air definitely helps reset everyone, myself included!

GalaxyJam · 24/12/2025 09:27

OhDear111 · 24/12/2025 09:10

@GalaxyJam Don’t forget the rest of us and other dc “pay” for really poor parenting. It’s not an impact free decision. Of course it’s hard work and dc with additional needs are going to need extra help but when dc cannot concentrate, cannot play appropriately and seek 100% attention from adults, it gives schools and eventually society a big problem. Clearly Covid impacted some dc but that was a time when children using their imagination could have been encouraged. Instead parents found it hell because dc needed constant attention. I truly hope children are never locked down again.

Im not sure you read my post? I am absolutely fine giving my children the appropriate amounts of attention. I have lovely, well adjusted children who are capable of amusing themselves, which apparently is the pinnacle of all parenting achievements according to this thread!
in lockdown I was caring full time for a several autistic child, home schooling 2 other children and working a full time job. It was hard.

OhDear111 · 24/12/2025 11:48

@GalaxyJam I hear you. I know it was hard but I was talking generally. Some parents don’t let dc be bored and curate every minute. A child who could amuse themselves was better adjusted to lockdown. I hope parents stand up next time and say no to a lockdown.