The Gift of Boredom: Why We Let Our Kids Sit With Stillness

In today’s world, boredom is almost treated like a problem to fix. The moment our kids sigh or wander around aimlessly, the temptation to hand over a tablet, queue up a show, or plan an activity is strong. We often feel pressure to keep them entertained, busy, and stimulated every moment of the day.

I often see children walking around with tablets in their hands, completely absorbed, while their parents are nearby saying how hard it is to get anything done because their kids “always need to be entertained.”

This summer, I noticed it more than ever. So many parents were saying they couldn’t manage their own tasks because they were constantly trying to fill their kids’ time.

For us, though, this has never been the way we parent. Long before this summer, we learned the value of letting our kids be bored — and we’ve always made space for it. But what really stood out to me over these past few months was the contrast. While some kids struggled to know what to do without a screen or a planned activity, ours naturally drifted into creativity, because they’ve had the practice of sitting with stillness.

This summer was full of adventures. We took multiple vacations, swam almost daily, and went on a ton of day trips exploring nearby towns, parks, and hidden gems. Yet some of my favourite moments weren’t during the trips, the swims, or the adventures — they were in the pockets of quiet, when we let our kids simply be.

No screens. No schedule. Just space.

And what happened was nothing short of magical.

My oldest son, given that blank canvas of time, picked up a notebook. He began sketching out ideas for a story and even created a detailed map of the fantasy kingdom where his tale would unfold. What started as “I’m bored” became the spark of imagination that may grow into a whole book one day.

My youngest went everywhere with a sketch pad. He began drawing everything he could — pouring his little heart into shapes, scribbles, and colourful creations that only he could dream up. No matter where he was, his pad came with him, a constant companion for capturing ideas and exploring his imagination.

If I had filled those moments with distractions or tried to entertain them, those sparks might never have caught fire.

Boredom teaches kids how to be with themselves. It nurtures creativity, problem-solving, and resilience. It allows space for imagination to breathe. And maybe most importantly, it gives kids the chance to discover what truly excites them — without someone else’s agenda leading the way.

So often, we as parents feel guilty if our kids are bored. But what if boredom is exactly what they need?

This summer reminded me: our job isn’t to erase boredom. Our job is to hold space for it — to trust that in those quiet gaps, something beautiful will unfold.

Because sometimes, when the noise fades, the magic finally has room to grow.

Tips for Letting Boredom Work Its Magic

1. Remove screens strategically: Instead of banning tablets entirely (which can feel impossible), create specific times when screens aren’t allowed — like during meals, before bed, or certain blocks of the afternoon. Watch how your kids naturally start inventing games, stories, or drawings.

2. Resist constant entertainment: It’s tempting to schedule every moment or hand your child an activity. Pause. Step back. Even 10–15 minutes of “nothing to do” can ignite creativity and independent play.

3. Provide simple tools: Sketch pads, notebooks, building blocks, or craft materials are all you need. These tools give kids the space to explore their imagination without screens.

4. Encourage reflection: Ask questions like, “What are you imagining?” or “What could happen next?” This supports creativity without taking over the activity.

5. Trust the process: Sometimes “boredom” looks like wandering or even complaining. That’s normal. Resist jumping in to fill the gap — the real magic is happening quietly in their minds.

   
   

Book Recommendation: Glow Kids by Nicholas Kardaras

If you want to understand why removing screens and giving kids space to be bored is so important, Glow Kids is a must-read. Kardaras explores the science behind screen addiction, its impact on developing brains, and why unstructured, imaginative play is crucial for creativity, focus, and emotional health.

This book helped me feel confident in letting my kids explore boredom, knowing the benefits go far beyond just keeping them busy.