If a child says “I’m bored,” many parents take this as a signal to action: they urgently need to come up with something. However, psychologists and educators believe that boredom is not a problem, but an important part of development. The ability to cope with it is as useful a skill as many others, writes Conversation.

“Boredom serves a useful function,” experts explain. – This is a signal that it’s time to change something: the environment, activity or social circle. It motivates us to set new goals.”

Modern parents often try to protect their children from this feeling. The reasons are different: lack of time, the desire to give the child the best, or anxiety for his success. Easy access to gadgets also simplifies the task – turn on a cartoon, and the child is busy.

What are the benefits of boredom?

Harvard School of Public and Nonprofit Administration professor Arthur Brooks found that boredom necessary for thought. Others agree with him researchers who studied its influence on the formation of personal qualities.

• Develops independence. When a child decides for himself what to do, he learns to plan, set goals and manage his time.
• Stimulates creativity. The brain, not receiving ready-made entertainment, begins to look for a way out and come up with something new. This awakens natural curiosity.
• Teaches you to cope with emotions. Learning to experience mild discomfort without running away from it is a valuable life skill.
• Gives time to think. It is in silence and inaction that important questions about ourselves and the world are born.

“Children who are rarely bored may grow into adults who do not know how to cope,” psychologists warn.

How to help your child cope with boredom?

There is no need to leave him alone with this feeling. Start small and learn how to spend your free time profitably.

• Recognize that boredom is normal. Say: “Yes, sometimes it’s boring. This will soon pass and you will find what to do.”
• Offer ideas, but not solutions. For kids, you can prepare an “idea box” with cards of simple activities. Give older children the opportunity to take the initiative.
• Create “space for boredom.” This is the time when there are no scheduled clubs, cartoons or games. Let the child be bored for 5-10 minutes – this is already a good start.
• Lead by example. It is also useful for parents sometimes to just sit in silence, watch nature or dream.

“Giving up the responsibility of constantly entertaining children can help parents themselves reduce their stress levels,” experts add.

Thus, boredom is not an enemy, but an ally in development. She teaches the child to listen to himself, find inner resources and appreciate moments of calm.

So the next time you hear a complaint, you can calmly answer: “That’s great! This means that soon a new interesting idea will be born in your head.”