Why Boredom Can Be A Good Thing!

We've all heard the dreaded words; 'I'm bored' from our children. In fact, in a study conducted by BIC as part of it's Young Artist Award, it was determined that children can complain about being bored up to 122 a month! But did you know that boredom can actually be a good thing for a child? It helps develop their imaginations and creativity!

The study also found that children have just 3 hours a day away from screens with two thirds of parents feeling guilty about the amount of screen time their child has. As a result of this, parents try to find more traditional approaches to combat their child's boredom. Dr Martin Stephen, renowned child education specialist, states that "It’s all about getting a good balance. Creativity can be encouraged via digital games but it’s important that we continue to develop core skills such as drawing and writing as it’s been proven that these skills aid creativity and imagination". 

Drawing, writing, colouring, cutting and sticking are some of my boys' favourite activities. They've created little worlds out out of a few pieces of paper, card and a pack of colouring pencils. They love it when I have a spare cardboard box too as they spend hours decorating it and making little houses! I have lovely memories of colouring and drawing as a child and so, while I'm not opposed at all to them having screen time every now and again, I'm keen for my children spend time being creative. And so whenever I hear the words, 'Mum, I'm bored!' I point them in the direction of the crayons and paper!

*This is a collaboration with Bic. They sent me some Bic goodies to giveaway. Just pop over to my Facebook page to enter!