If you had been nearby my home last night, you would have heard my child exclaiming, “You’re the meanest mom ever!” as the sounds of protest echoed through the house, followed by heavy footsteps as he stomped off to his room to sulk.
Why the drama? I wouldn’t allow him to join our neighbors for a swim. Again.
With my son now in school, his days are overflowing with activities, beginning at dawn as he catches the bus, and ending at bedtime after homework and kung fu lessons twice a week. It’s a whirlwind of activity for a little one.
To counteract the overwhelming schedules that seem to sap my son’s energy and attention, I insist on “boredom time” a few days a week. This concept, which I fondly refer to as “bored time,” encourages him to tap into his imagination and explore his creativity. When I was a kid, we simply called it free time or quiet time.
During boredom time, screens are off-limits. No gadgets, no calling friends, and no visiting others. Instead, we have a small library of books and a craft table brimming with supplies for all sorts of inventive projects. He can choose to play outside, create stories, or engage in silly dance-offs. Once, we even had a staring contest that left my eyes twitching long into the night!
Childhood is fleeting, so why fill it with endless activities that rush us through time? When I slow down and focus on my child, I discover what truly matters to him, like his fascination with a particular ash tree in our yard where he once spotted a butterfly cocoon.
Boredom time nurtures our connection. My son shares elaborate tales filled with whimsical characters like farting pirates and kung fu monkeys. He opens up about his hopes and fears, trusting that conversations with Mom and Dad are always safe. These moments spent together, free from distractions, are invaluable.
As my son grows and school sports and social engagements become more enticing, maintaining our boredom time ritual will be challenging. I won’t allow him to sign up for more than one extracurricular activity each school year. Dinner together will always be a priority, and weekends will include quality time at home. Screens will remain off as we embrace the power of boredom to inspire creativity.
After his initial stomping episode, we discussed how much he dislikes boredom time. While he grumbled about my “silly rules,” he excitedly showed me a drawing of a rocket ship he wants to build from cardboard after school. He even speculated about how much duct tape we’d need to create an escape hatch in case of alien invaders!
Though he may throw a tantrum now, I believe he will eventually recognize the value of these moments. These pockets of time, devoid of screens and social pressures, will help him grow into someone who appreciates the simple wonder of a butterfly cocoon.
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In summary, enforcing boredom time not only fosters creativity and imagination in my child but also strengthens our bond as a family. These moments away from screens and schedules are essential for nurturing his growth and appreciation for the world around him.
Keyphrase: Enforcing boredom time for creativity
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