Your child goes around in circles at home, does not know what to do … And if rather than trying to occupy it all day, you let him be bored? Psychologist’s advice Stephan Valentin.
Wondering how you will be able to occupy your children during all school holidays? Contrary to what one might think, Let them be bored from time to time is positive ! While children follow a frantic pace throughout the year, parents often tend to overload school holidays. But is it necessary to want to occupy it at all costs? Not really. “”Boredom is very important and must have its place in the daily life of children. It is an essential factor for its development, especially for its Creativity and free game“, assures the psychologist Stephan Valentin. And for good reason, When we get bored, we think about what we could do so that we no longer get bored.
“Boredom, a key to an inner balance”
Why let the children are bored?
“”If parents constantly offer new activities at the slightest sign of boredom, the child will always count on them To be entertained and he will not become creative. Boredom is a key to an inner balance“Explains the psychologist. A child who is bored is subject to his internal stimulation instead of depending on external stimulation. Especially since today are particularly numerous.”We are all, children and adults, consumers who may be bored as soon as external stimulation is no longer there. We are almost “dependent” on this external stimulation, which often corresponds to video games.“” Being alone in front of yourself will also allow the child to develop their autonomy. He will learn to take care alone without having to need the support of others all the time.
My child is bored: how to react as a parent?
“”The child’s boredom can sometimes be annoying. The child seems to be in a bad mood, is tiring, making nonsense … The parents then want to put an end to this feeling of boredom and fill the “vacuum” in their child with activities“says Stephan Valentin. However, Wanting to occupy your child at all costs is not necessarily the right solution. It is indeed necessary to resist the urge to always accompany him as soon as he is bored. “”This precious time will allow the child to confront himself and to reflect on occupations. This felt “emptiness” will thus be transformed into new games, activities, ideas…“But it is not a reason to systematically leave his child alone with this feeling of boredom and never guide him towards new occupations.”Parents can give him two or three ideas, Without intervening as a game partner. Even if they will realize that the child will generally refuse their ideas, it is essential that the child feels heard.“”
Stephan Valentin is the author of the comic book “Enzo loves video games” by Pfefferkorn Editions. Interview in 2017.
