Let your kids be “bored.”
The Lord can work in beautiful ways when we are not filling up all our time.
Boredom has many benefits for kids of all ages, including creativity, self-esteem, and original thinking. Here are three really practical ways to handle the “I’m bored” refrain in your home:
- Don’t be too quick to purge toys and games your kids have “outgrown.” You might be surprised at the race car tracks or board games your children pull out of the closet after the “suggested age.”
- Always have the raw materials for creativity on hand. No matter what ages your kids are, keep markers, paper, glue, glitter (yes, it is a mess but it is worth it) scissors and things like that stocked.
- Model “boredom!” Answer the email later. Clean the kitchen in the morning. Sit in front of a fire pit or read a good book. Stop what you are doing to play cornhole or shoot baskets with your kids. Make a card for a neighbor.
Contentment is an attitude that says, “I will be satisfied with what God has given me.” This is my prayer for my kids – maybe you can pray it for your kids, too?
God please help me to derive my satisfaction from You first and foremost and give me the eyes to see and cherish all the gifts You have placed around me.
After joining Shaunti’s staff in 2018, Eileen Kirkland now serves as the Staff and Operations director. She makes her home in Atlanta with her husband of 20 years. They have two high school seniors (but they’re not twins! How’s that for a riddle?) and a new puppy, who has not yet learned the art of being bored.
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