There are a few phrases that are not allowed to be said in our home. One such phrase is, “This is boring.” or the popular “I am bored.” Basically the same.
Honestly, I can think of only one or two times that I have heard it come out of the mouths of my babes. And each time it occurred because my children heard it from some other children during a play date. I don’t think they even knew what it meant. But as they grow, I know it is a phrase that they will hear more and more, and be tempted to repeat.
Let me explain why I {despise} these sets of words.
Boredom in Play
Most children in the United States are surrounded by a plethora of play opportunities. Many families are swimming in toys from birthday and Christmas gifts. Even if this is not your situation, give a child a box and watch the child’s imagination explode!
Sometimes children say they are bored when they want to be entertained. As with the first point, the child wants to sit back and be pampered. Unfortunately, this desire for entertainment never gets fulfilled and the stakes get higher and higher with each demand.
Boredom in Imagination
When children need direction they will sometimes say they are bored. Provide the child with two or three ideas to get him or her started on a project and boredom often disappears. I often ask my kids, “Would you like to hear ideas of what some others kids have done in your situation?” This lays the control in the child’s hands. Depending on the child’s attitude, these suggestions may likely be followed with, “I don’t like that.” or “I don’t want to do that.” This is when I tell my child that he can either choose an activity himself or I will choose one for him – most likely a chore! Suddenly a stream of direction comes their way!
Oftentimes the statement of boredom is a cop-out. When children want the adult to think for them or provide something for them to do, they tell the adult they are bored. The child has learned from past situations that the adult will go to great links to make sure that he or she is not bored. (This goes back to the importance of training your child to play independently.)
Boredom in Learning
In this current age we have been led to believe that if we don’t push our children, they will get bored in the learning. Or we’ve been told, if our children are “bored” in learning, it means that the curriculum isn’t hard enough or our children are gifted beyond the learning.
I really don’t think either are true of preschoolers.
I believe truly bright children always find something to fill their brains. “Bored” children aren’t reaching their full potential.
Here is another point. Children are not born “bored”; bored children are developed.
Instead of letting the fear of boredom sway your decisions, look at the whole child and help him blossom in all areas of learning, not just the learning that comes easily. Help the child learn to use his gifts to glorify God. Develop the perseverance and the drive to work through activities that are harder. Teach him to love others. Focusing on these areas will make sure a child is never bored.
A dear friend of mine often says, “God did not make me to be my child’s playmate.”
God made me to be my child’s molder, impresser of the Word, support, and biggest cheerleader. That, I can do!
