Embrace the yawn...

Ugh, “I’m bored!” Sound familiar? As summer holidays are well on their way, that plea can send any parent into panic or frustration. Before you scramble for crafts or screen time, let’s reframe boredom as a superpower in disguise.

Why Boredom Matters

• Builds Frustration Tolerance: When kids sit with that “ugh” feeling, they actually strengthen the same self-control muscles that help them focus in class or stick with tricky tasks at home.

• Boosts Creativity: Neuroscience shows our brains switch into “daydream mode” when we’re bored, kind of like a blank canvas that sparks new ideas and problem-solving skills.

• Fuels Independence: Every time a child figures out what to do next, they wire in confidence and resourcefulness - so they’re more likely to tackle challenges on their own in future.

Skip the Instant Cure

Tossing them blocks or shouting “Go outside!” just teaches them to lean on you for every spark.

Here’s a Softer Approach

1. Pause & Empathize: “I get it, being bored can feel yucky.”

2. Invite Their Ideas: “What do you think you could try?”

3. Set Gentle Boundaries: If they want a park trip, say “Not today, but let’s plan it. What else?”

By holding space for their discomfort, you give their imagination room to roam and help them build real-world skills like patience, innovation, and self-reliance. Plus, you might just reclaim a few golden moments of calm yourself.

Your turn! Will you let boredom work its magic this summer? Tell me how it goes.