The Gift of Boredom

We're not exactly psychic, but we can predict that your children will complain that they are bored and bicker with their siblings (if they have some) at least ten times during the summer. So we are here to highlight the amazing work that is taking place behind these annoying scenes. 

Long summer days can offer so many wonderful opportunities for family time and activities that we forget to honour the downtime. Children hardly get unstructured time these days. When they do, it can be met with complaints and loud, uncomfortable noises. As parents, our first inclination is to stop that noise however we can. When we remember that boredom is the doorway to creativity, we give ourselves permission to sit back and wait for the magic to happen.

Things that can come out of boredom...​

Collaboration
This summer, encourage collaboration through connection with other kids and family members. For example, you could let your kids:

• Host a garage sale
• Set up a driveway flower stand 
• Create art and have an art sale
• Have a classic lemonade stand 
• Have older kids organize a scavenger hunt for younger children in the neighbourhood.

Working together on a shared idea creates the ability to be heard and to listen. As the parent, try to take a supporting role and let your kids work out the details.

Social Awareness & Responsibility
Summer fun means visiting new places and going on adventures. When your daily experiences include social awareness & responsibility, your children naturally learn how to make choices that positively impact the world. Every little positive step will help to create a big change. Here are some summer activities that highlight these competencies:

• Organize a neighbourhood garbage pickup
• Participate in a rally
• Help out at a community garden
• Walk your neighbour's dog 
• Plan a picnic with friends (remember to pack out what you pack in)
• Raise funds for a local animal shelter

Creative Thinking
What is Creative Thinking anyways? Good news! It's happening all the time, especially during play. The gift of boredom is one of the best ways to generate new ideas. People who think creatively are curious and open-minded and have a sense of wonder and joy in learning. 
​This summer, encourage creative thinking through hands-on, creative activities such as: 

• Sand castle building (at the beach or in a backyard sandbox)
• Shelter building (forts for humans or small creatures)
• Creating a summer theatre show 
• "Cooking and baking" in an outdoor mud kitchen
• Rock painting 
• Sidewalk chalk mandalas. 

These activities encourage your child to navigate the complexities of decision-making, value others' ideas and overcome obstacles. ​

So enjoy these long summer days, and rest assured your child is learning many valuable lessons along the way.