Let Them Be Bored (Yes, Really)

The other day my kid was moping about and kept bumping into me as if he was drawn to me like a magnet. I finally asked him what's wrong and he answered with “I’m boooored.” My first instinct? Tell him to go get his tablet so I could finish my coffee in peace. But then I remembered—boredom is actually good for him (and not just because it buys me five minutes without those repetitive video game songs).

When kids have nothing to do, that’s when the magic happens. They start making up games, building questionable “forts” out of every couch cushion we own, and—brace yourself—they might even pray. Boredom is like God’s invitation to slow down, breathe, and let Him whisper new ideas into little hearts.

So I’m trying to leave some white space in their schedules. Fewer “go-go-go” moments, more “stare out the window and think big thoughts” moments. Turns out, boredom isn’t a parenting fail—it’s a creativity incubator, and God is the head coach.