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Boredom, an Unsuspected Source of Creativity: Let’s Empower Children to Invent!

By Kathy Trujillo ReynaudIn Books & LibraryPosted

In a society obsessed with speed, where the present moment is glorified and frustration is seen as an enemy to be conquered, boredom has been relegated to the status of a plague. Yet, far from being a negative state, boredom is a fertile ground for the development of imagination, creativity, and autonomy in children. This “forced inactivity” offers a unique opportunity for them to let their minds run free, connect with their inner world, and develop essential skills for their well-being.

 
But before we continue, let’s take a look at the definition of boredom according to the dictionary: “Boredom is the state of those who experience weariness or disinterest in something.” Boredom refers to the state of being weary and restless due to a lack of interest.
 
However, the “boredom” parents are so afraid their children might experience, prompting them to instantly seek ways to keep their kids occupied, isn’t truly “boredom” in the way they think. It is not a state of fatigue and restlessness due to lack of interest. What they observe are simply moments when their children are “between activities,” in a state of “non-action” or “inactivity,” during which a child might pout and complain about having nothing to do.”But you have plenty of toys!” some might say. “Back when I was little, I played with a cardboard box!” others might reminisce. This is true, and even though times have changed, your child will find something to do—whether it’s building a small house with Legos for Mr. Snail, creating a family calendar, drawing, picking up a book, or making a fort with the couch cushions.This is why, as parents, you MUST let go of this fear of emptiness and allow them that space of “non-action” to invent their own activities, rather than solving it for them by providing things to do or, worse, handing them a tablet or phone. This is the death of imagination.
 
 

 

Screens: A Mirage for Imagination?

Faced with boredom, the immediate and tempting solution is often the screen. Tablets, smartphones, and video games promise to entertain children, keep them busy, and “stimulate” them. But this solution, while convenient, only offers an illusion of stimulation. Indeed, excessive screen time hinders the development of imagination. Children, confronted with pre-digested information and constant stimulation, lose the ability to create their own stories, games, and solutions.

Scientific studies confirm this finding:

“The Impact of Digital Media on Children’s Development” (2019) by the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine highlights that excessive screen use in children can harm their language, social, and emotional development.

“The Digital Disconnect: The Growing Epidemic of Social Isolation in the Age of the Internet” (2019) by Jean Twenge highlights the negative impact of social media on the mental health of adolescents, particularly in terms of loneliness and depression.

School: A Playground for Learning

The excessive use of tablets and computers in school is also a cause for concern. Although digital tools can be valuable learning aids, it is essential not to use them as a substitute for books and human interaction.

Scientific studies show that learning through play, exploration, and manipulation of concrete objects promotes children’s cognitive development. Dr. Diane Snowball, a professor of education at the University of Iowa, explains that “learning through play allows children to develop their problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking skills.”

At ESD European School in Cabarete, Dominican Republic, a US accredited school, we have chosen to prioritize a pedagogical approach based on learning through play, manipulation, and reflection. We offer a bilingual curriculum with English, Spanish, and even French, nurturing students’ global understanding. Children only use computers for two hours a week starting in the 5th grade, for computer science classes, while prioritizing books, notebooks, and teamwork. Projects focused on developing critical thinking and finding solutions occupy an important place in learning.

The Importance of “Boredom”, at home, in Child Development:

Boredom is therefore a feeling that should be encouraged, not fought. When a child is bored, they are free to invent games, create stories, ask questions, and find solutions. This develops their creativity, imagination, ability to concentrate, and problem-solving skills.

The absence of boredom can have negative consequences on a child’s development:

– Lack of creativity and imagination: the child becomes accustomed to external stimulation and loses the ability to invent stories and games.
– Decreased concentration and attention: the child is constantly stimulated by external stimuli and struggles to focus on a single task.
– Decreased autonomy and problem-solving ability: the child depends on the help of adults for entertainment and to solve simple problems.

 
A Necessary Return to the Roots:
Faced with societal pressure and the ease of access to screens, it is necessary, for parents, to give boredom back its place. Children need to be bored to learn how to entertain themselves, to create, to imagine, and to develop their autonomy. Here are some tips for supporting children during their moments of boredom:– Limit screen access: establish rules and limits for screen use, and prioritize more stimulating activities.
– Suggest games and creative activities: board games, construction toys, painting, drawing, music, writing, etc.
– Let the child “complain” a little bit; don’t try to entertain them constantly. Allow them to settle into their ‘boredom‘—meaning this state of ‘no action’ between two activities.
– Create an environment conducive to imagination: provide the child with toys and/or materials so they can express themselves freely.
– Encourage reading: offer books adapted to the child’s age and suggest moments of quiet reading.
 
Recess: A Haven of Peace for Fulfillment
At ESD European School, the best school in Cabarete, recess is a precious time when children can flourish and play freely. This freedom contrasts sharply with the new reality of the rest of the world, where children are often sitting on benches, eyes glued to their social networks, faces dull and closed, judging their classmates based on criteria encountered on TikTok and Instagram. At ESD European School, recess is healthy: no cell phones for children! They play, do sports, play cornhole, football, slide down the slide, swing, play guitar, board games, fly kites, or read in the library. They have fun, expend energy, build friendships, and develop their imaginations in a healthy and stimulating environment.Screens are a brake on the development of children, and their parents are not yet fully aware of it. Even the inventors of cell phones and tablets don’t let their own children use them; isn’t that ironic? It is our duty, as parents, to question our decisions about our children’s education and not be afraid to make the necessary changes before it’s too late. We must offer children the opportunity to invent, create, think, and grow. ESD European School has chosen to commit to this path, prioritizing active learning methods, limiting screen use, and encouraging play, imagination, and creativity.
 
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