Creativity And Imagination Live Just On The Other Side Of Boredom
My dad always said creativity and imagination live just on the other side of boredom.
I watch this truth play out not only in my own life, but the lives of my children as well.
They are all very talented and creative boys.
Yes, I am biased, but I am telling you it's true.
They are Lego architects, writers, painters, musicians, and simply a whole bunch of fun to be around.
Before I sound too much like a snotty, prideful mom, I want to repeat what my dad always told me: Creativity and Imagination live just on the other side of boredom.
Here the secret to growing amazingly creative and imaginative kids...
Let them be bored! You heard me.
Allow your kids to get bored.
I mean really bored.
It could be a few minutes, or a few days.
Trust me it is worth the wait! Plan for periods of boredom regularly.
Daily is best.
You may think I am crazy, but I am quite sane.
It's the bored kids who create the "new games".
It's the bored kids who create awesome forts.
It's the bored kids who write creative stories.
It's the bored kids who change the world.
Why? Kids quickly learn that a slower paced life is an adventure.
They actually begin to crave this "boring" appointment.
Honestly, they forget to be bored and learn to get creative faster and faster.
Yes, my kids are creative.
They are given opportunity to sit and be bored or to get up and get creative.
What still surprises me to this day is that 9 times out of 10 they get creative! Now, if you just cannot handle the thought of sending the kids in the backyard and locking the door, you can jump-start them.
Predetermine how long the kids are "on their own" and be sure to give them a 5 minute warning before telling them to clean-up.
If your kids are anything like mine, once the creative juices start flowing it becomes really hard to turn them off.
It can be incredibly frustration to finally get an idea and then to be told to clean up.
Keep your eyes and ears open while they play.
If they are fully invested in their play time, tell them the timer is about to go off but it looks like they could use more time to play.
If they beg you for more give them an extension!
I watch this truth play out not only in my own life, but the lives of my children as well.
They are all very talented and creative boys.
Yes, I am biased, but I am telling you it's true.
They are Lego architects, writers, painters, musicians, and simply a whole bunch of fun to be around.
Before I sound too much like a snotty, prideful mom, I want to repeat what my dad always told me: Creativity and Imagination live just on the other side of boredom.
Here the secret to growing amazingly creative and imaginative kids...
Let them be bored! You heard me.
Allow your kids to get bored.
I mean really bored.
- Do not rescue them (unless there's blood)!
- Do not turn on the TV and absolutely ban "all things electronic.
- Tell them all you have is an endless list of chores for them to complete if they come to you for suggestions.
- If the weather permits, send 'em outside and tell them they cannot come in until the timer dings.
At least an hour! - Sit back and wait...
It could be a few minutes, or a few days.
Trust me it is worth the wait! Plan for periods of boredom regularly.
Daily is best.
You may think I am crazy, but I am quite sane.
It's the bored kids who create the "new games".
It's the bored kids who create awesome forts.
It's the bored kids who write creative stories.
It's the bored kids who change the world.
Why? Kids quickly learn that a slower paced life is an adventure.
They actually begin to crave this "boring" appointment.
Honestly, they forget to be bored and learn to get creative faster and faster.
Yes, my kids are creative.
They are given opportunity to sit and be bored or to get up and get creative.
What still surprises me to this day is that 9 times out of 10 they get creative! Now, if you just cannot handle the thought of sending the kids in the backyard and locking the door, you can jump-start them.
- Go to the local thrift stores and let them buy some new dress-up clothes.
- Buy some spiral bound notebooks and "special pens" to help them write a creative story (Tell them you will not correct spelling and grammar...
just let them write). - Find a spell-binding book to read aloud at breakfast or lunch and be sure to stop reading at an exciting part! This is a great time to send them off.
My kids end up personifying literary characters often!
Predetermine how long the kids are "on their own" and be sure to give them a 5 minute warning before telling them to clean-up.
If your kids are anything like mine, once the creative juices start flowing it becomes really hard to turn them off.
It can be incredibly frustration to finally get an idea and then to be told to clean up.
Keep your eyes and ears open while they play.
If they are fully invested in their play time, tell them the timer is about to go off but it looks like they could use more time to play.
If they beg you for more give them an extension!
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