Why It's Okay for Kids to be Bored

CLICK HERE to download soundbites, b-roll, script and web article.

For download password, contact ccnewsservice@ccf.org.

CLEVELAND - If you have children, you’ve probably heard them complain about being bored at countless occasions.

But, did you know boredom can actually be a good thing?

“When we are constantly entertained, it doesn't lead us to opportunities to occupy ourselves and engage in activities like reading a book, playing with toys or building a fort,” said Kate Eshleman, PsyD, psychologist for Cleveland Clinic Children’s. “When we have structured activities in front of us all the time, it doesn't create those opportunities which are really important lifelong skills.”

Dr. Eshleman said when a child has to find a way to entertain themselves, it can help foster their creativity, independence and imagination, which can be useful skills as an adult.

She knows it can be hard to hear your child complain about being bored, but it’s not your responsibility to keep them busy all the time.

However, if you do want to give them some ideas, that’s okay.

And when in doubt, you could always encourage them to read a book.

“There is academic and cognitive value to developing those reading skills. Because even for ‘I'm a kid that likes math,’ well eventually your math problems are going to become story problems,” she noted. “So, reading is really important, and there is a lot of creativity and imagination that goes with that, you kind of have to visualize the characters or kind of imagine the scenarios.”

Dr. Eshleman said it’s also important for parents to practice what they preach.

If you don’t want your child always getting on their phone or tablet when they’re bored, you shouldn’t be on yours all the time either.