If you had been within earshot of my home last night, you would have heard my son labeling me “the strictest mom ever!” His protests echoed through the house as he stormed off to his room in frustration. I had once again denied his request to go swimming at a neighbor’s house.
With school now in session, my son’s days are filled with activities that start as early as dawn and wrap up only after he finishes his homework and returns from his kung fu lessons twice a week. That’s a lot of hustle and bustle for a young child. To counteract this nonstop schedule, I have implemented “boredom time” several times a week.
This practice is my way of ensuring that my son can still embrace his youth and explore the world around him. When I was a child, we simply referred to it as free time or quiet time. In our household, we call it bored time—a period dedicated to engaging our imaginations and honing our creativity.
During bored time, all screens are off-limits. No technology, no calling friends, and no visiting others. Instead, we have a small library filled with books and a craft table brimming with supplies to create all sorts of wild projects. Outdoor play is encouraged, and there are stories to invent and songs to sing. We’ve even had silly dance-offs and once engaged in a staring contest that left my eyes twitching long after!
Childhood is fleeting, so why fill it with endless activities that rush us through the moments that matter? When I slow down, breathe, and pay attention to my son, I discover what truly captivates him—like how he cherishes a particular ash tree in our backyard because he once spotted a butterfly cocoon nestled in its branches.
These moments of boredom lead to long, imaginative tales featuring characters like farting pirates and kung fu monkeys. They provide a safe space for him to share his dreams and fears, reinforcing that communication with Mom and Dad is always welcome. Boredom time—those hours dedicated to family bonding or self-directed play—is vital to fostering these connections.
As he matures and becomes more attracted to sports and social engagements, maintaining this boredom time may become more challenging. I plan to limit him to just one extracurricular activity each school year and insist on family dinners and some weekend time at home. Screens will remain unplugged as we uphold our household rule of using boredom to inspire creativity and joy.
After my son finished his sulking, we had a discussion about how uncool he believes boredom time is. As he yawned through his critique of my “ridiculous rules,” he excitedly showed me a drawing of a rocket ship he wants to construct from cardboard. He even pondered how much duct tape we’d need for an escape hatch in case aliens invaded.
Despite his initial resistance, I trust that over time, he will recognize the value of these moments. These intervals spent away from screens, schedules, and social pressures will help him grow into an individual who appreciates the beauty of simple things, like a butterfly cocoon.
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In summary, I enforce boredom time to foster creativity and bonding with my son, ensuring his childhood is filled with exploration and meaningful connections, despite his momentary frustrations.