Psychological support to prevent child abandonment

The Value of Being Bored in Summer

Screens and stress are everywhere—yes, even for children. Summer arrives, along with the long-awaited camps. And for many families, whether due to work-life balance issues or necessity, there’s constant pressure to keep their children busy and entertained throughout the entire summer. In this context, boredom gets a bad reputation. But boredom is natural—and necessary. Here's why.

First, it’s important to understand that free time is not wasted time. On the contrary, it’s in those unstructured moments that children can discover new hobbies, invent games, explore new spaces, or simply rest. Even doing “nothing,” which is sometimes hard for adults to accept, holds value.

Is boredom good or bad?

Let’s start with the fact that everyone gets bored—around 3% of every 30 minutes of our lives, in fact. Yet few people admit it, because boredom often carries a negative connotation. However, what we do with boredom can lead to great opportunities.

When children face a moment without immediate external stimulation, their brains activate to find solutions: What can I do now? What can I create? How can I entertain myself? These types of questions, when boredom is experienced in moderation, open the door to key skills:

• Increased creativity – In the absence of external stimuli, a child’s brain kicks in to imagine and create.

• Fosters autonomy – Children practice decision-making and learn to manage their own free time without relying solely on adults.

• Encourages exploration – They may notice activities or games they previously overlooked.

• Builds frustration tolerance – In a world of instant gratification, boredom helps children manage discomfort and delays. As Stephanie Lee, director of the Center for Behavioral Health at the Child Mind Institute, explains: “Boredom may not be deeply distressing, but it’s not fun either. Life demands that we manage frustration and regulate our emotions when things don’t go our way, and boredom is a great way to teach that.”

• Boosts critical thinking – It gives them space to reflect, ask questions, and connect ideas.

• Promotes self-awareness – Without screens or distractions, children can reconnect with their emotions and thoughts.

What to do when boredom strikes

Here are some helpful tips for navigating boredom in a healthy way. As Erin Westgate, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Florida, points out: “Parents shouldn't expect kids to instinctively know what’s meaningful to them. Instead, they should remind them of the things they care about or enjoy.”

• Set aside time to create a list of fun activities and long-term projects together. That way, kids can refer to it when boredom strikes. Free time without structure can be overwhelming, so you might suggest a daily activity or project.

• If that’s not effective, help them discover interest in a particular activity. Ask questions like: What would you like to try that you’ve never done before? What makes you feel good when you're bored? Would you like to invent a new game?

• Remember: The adult’s role is not to fill the child’s time, but to create the space for them to find their own solutions. This means offering access to materials and freedom to use them—like building blocks, puzzles, coloring supplies, board games, or books.

• Limit screen time reasonably. While devices can provide entertainment and even education, passive content consumption doesn't always promote creativity or independence.

• Finally, accept that boredom can lead to frustration or even anger. It’s part of the process. Don’t avoid this discomfort—walk through it with them.