Is Boredom Ok for My Kids This Spring Break?

In the practice, we hear parents report a lot of stress around holiday breaks, such as spring break, summer break, Thanksgiving break, and Christmas break.

We hear reports about the pressure of filling downtime for children such as, “What are they going to do all day” While this is certainly important to identify with children that are young in terms of childcare, but we see this sense of pressure extending into high school years. Parents today receive a lot more pressure from society to have their children’s downtime filled compared to 20 years ago.

Perhaps this is due to social media, and the “highlight rules“ being presented on a daily basis to those parenting today. As this did not exist 20 years ago, it may not have been as heavily present on parents mind then. As a parent of extended age Ranges from 17 years old to seven weeks old, that personally noticed as a therapist and a mother that expectations from parents were not nearly as intense while raising my teenager as a young baby versus raising babies today.

Recently, I spoke to a friend about Valentines what she was planning to bring for her son class. She recalled the days when she was in school and how a simple paper Valentin with a sticker on, it would be sufficient to bring for her classmates. She expressed disbelief how elaborate mothers are currently about their Valentines that they bring today with bags of assorted treats. This was her first child going through school, she expressed her shock. There are endless videos on how to decorate for expensive birthday parties, requiring hours of preparation, and hundreds, if not, thousands of dollars to set up.

While it is perfectly acceptable for mothers who enjoy and thrive in these Incredible skills to have an outlet for their creative nature, it would be equally incredible for mothers to not feel the obligatory pressure to be “enough” demonstrated by their excess. 

In sessions, doing less is commonly encouraged. The burnout is very real in our community for parents. This burnout leads to a lack of self care. This results in marriages having the “rest of you instead of the best of you”. That may sound valid however, it is easier said than done. Our therapists recommend gaining insight into why guilt may occur when there is boredom present. Our society commonly equates busyness with positive results. Unfortunately, we tend to see the exact opposite. 

Boredom is often viewed negatively, but it plays a crucial role in a child’s development. When children experience boredom, it prompts them to explore, innovate, and develop crucial skills for their cognitive and emotional well-being.

Firstly, boredom fosters creativity.

When children have nothing to do, they are forced to use their imagination to entertain themselves. This encourages them to engage in imaginative play, invent new games, or explore their surroundings in novel ways. Through this process, they learn to think outside the box and develop problem-solving skills.

Secondly, boredom teaches self-regulation.

In a world filled with constant stimulation, children rarely have the opportunity to experience boredom. When they do encounter it, they learn to manage their emotions and impulses. They become better at controlling their behavior and resisting instant gratification, which is crucial for success in school and later in life.

Furthermore, boredom encourages independence.

When children are not constantly entertained, they learn to rely on themselves for entertainment. This cultivates a sense of autonomy and self-reliance, which are essential for building confidence and resilience.

Overall, while boredom may seem like a negative experience, it is actually a vital part of childhood development. By allowing children to experience boredom, we are helping them develop essential skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. 

Start Working With a Parent Counselor or Couples Therapist in Wellington, FL

You deserve support in addressing the mental health concerns affeting you, your child, and your relationship. Our team of caring therapists would be happy to offer support in finding the support you deserve. You can start your therapy journey with The Marriage Couch by following these simple steps:

1. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation
2. Begin working with a skilled couples therapist
3. Start embracing bordeom and it’s benefits!

Other Services Offered with The Marriage Couch

At The Marriage Couch, we are here to help you and your partner build a strong and lasting relationship. Our services include Marriage Counseling and Couples Therapy in Wellington, Palm Beach Gardens, Loxahatchee, West Lake, and online throughout the state of Florida. We also offer a 5-day Date Your Spouse Challenge as a way to test the waters of our therapy style. This 5-day challenge is appropriate for couples of any level. Visit our Blog to learn more!