Let the Kids Be Bored by Now
Every parent hates hearing the dreadful “I’m bored” from their child. A natural instinct may be to fill their schedule, but boredom has many benefits. Emma Seppala, author of The Path of Happiness , wrote about the bad advice parents give their children , such as “Stay busy.” She recommends encouraging your child to have fun without doing anything.
In Western countries, people value being busy and excited, but low-intensity emotions such as calmness are equally important. Both East Asia and the West value positive emotions , but people in East Asia value more the low-intensity emotions they experience from more mundane activities, such as a walk. Studies have shown that older Chinese adults in Hong Kong are generally more satisfied with their lives than European and older American adults, and this mindset can contribute to this.
Excitement can burn children , and free time is important for developing children’s creativity. Research shows that when we are calm and not overly focused, we are more likely to come up with brilliant ideas.
Plus, balancing all of these activities can lead to more stress. Since the 1950s, children have become increasingly anxious . By giving them more free time, they help them better deal with stress and relax. Music lessons and sports can be rewarding, but it’s also important to give the kids time to mess around. Let them look at the clouds and dream.