IN SHORT
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Children’s holidays, initially perceived as a time of joy, adventure and freedom, often turn into a real boredom trap in disguise. Between endless days hanging out at home and the lack of structure, children sometimes find themselves twiddling their thumbs, asking for activities in vain. This phenomenon raises questions about how parents organize this precious rest time. Do we really have to plan everything down to the minute, or are there solutions to lighten everyday life and give meaning to vacations? In a world where stimuli are omnipresent, it becomes essential to rethink our approaches to offer children enriching experiences, far from the ambient boredom.
The challenge of omnipresent screens #
Our children these days no longer experience boredom like we did as children. They always have access to a distraction thanks to their omnipresent screens, whether they are TikTok, YouTube or other digital platforms. Unlike analog television channels where we had limitations and rebroadcasts, these platforms offer an inexhaustible abundance of content.
The forgotten benefits of boredom #
Hearing a child say they are bored can be annoying, but this feeling has many benefits. Feeling bored stimulates creativity and allows children to think differently. It is in these empty moments that their minds can wander, explore new ideas and lay the foundations for possible innovation.
Screens: enemies of socialization #
Screen time often deprives children of other enriching activities like reading books, interacting with peers, and simply getting some fresh air. THE social networks and other screens are not only distracting but can also interfere with Mental Health, exposing young people to potentially harmful content and online bullying.
The importance of boredom tolerance #
Learning to tolerate boredom is an essential skill that helps children deal with frustration and disappointment. Well-managed boredom can lead to moments of personal reflection, new ideas and improvement of their problem-solving skills. Teaching children to deal with their boredom themselves is crucial to developing their independence and coping skills.
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Limits imposed by the socio-economic context #
Not all children have the same opportunities to have fun in an enriching way. THE socio-economic status plays an important role in children’s engagement during the summer. Those who have resources often benefit from an environment favorable to their development. On the other hand, less privileged children may feel socially isolated during these long vacation periods.
Solutions to help children deal with boredom #
- Limit screen time: Program devices to limit screen time.
- Keep screens away from living spaces: Ban screens at the table and in the bedroom to promote interactions and healthy sleep.
- Going outside: Take children outside to play where they can explore and occupy themselves creatively.
- Establish slow leisure activities: Adapt activities like bird watching or puzzles to slow down the hectic pace of life in front of a screen.
- Create an “anti-boredom jar”: Put ideas for interesting activities in a jar that children can draw from when boredom sets in.