Welcome, mama. Grab a cup of tea, and let’s chat about something that might make you a little uncomfortable—boredom. The discomfort that I am talking about is what you feel when your children start complaining about boredom. I know it can be tough. There’s a part of us that wants to fix it, to make sure our kids are always entertained and happy. But let’s take a step back and think about the beauty that can come from a little boredom.

The Importance of Discomfort

In the entrepreneurial world, we often emphasize the importance of pushing through discomfort to reach new heights. We celebrate those moments when we surpass our limits in pursuit of success. But what if this same mindset applied to parenting? What if allowing our kids to experience boredom could lead to something truly remarkable?

I’m not even referring to their discomfort—kids are resourceful and will eventually find ways to occupy themselves. I’m talking about the discomfort you feel when you say, “No, let’s skip TV tonight,” or “No, I’m not going to keep you entertained right now.” It’s that uneasy feeling that arises when we resist the urge to immediately alleviate their boredom.

Why Boredom is a Gift

Here’s the thing, mama: boredom is a gift. It is in those moments of boredom that our kids learn to be creative, to solve problems, and to think independently. When we allow our children to be bored, we are giving them the space to discover new interests, to create their own fun, and to learn that they don’t need to rely on us or a screen for entertainment.

But I get it. It can be challenging to tell them no. Let’s face it, when they’re bored, it often puts more pressure on us as parents. We might have to deal with the whining, the extra mess from their newfound creativity, or just the feeling that we should be doing more. However, you, as the leader in your home, must push past it. Greatness will come from it—not just for your kids, but for you too.

Steps to Embrace Boredom

If you are ready to embrace the power of boredom, here are a few steps to help you get started:

1. Start Small: Begin by setting aside a small amount of time each day where screens are off, and you encourage your kids to find their own entertainment. It doesn’t have to be long—just enough to let them feel a little bored.

2. Resist the Urge to Fix It: When your kids complain about being bored, resist the urge to fix it for them. Offer gentle encouragement but let them figure out what to do next. This is where the magic happens.

3. Provide Open-Ended Materials: Keep a stash of open-ended materials on hand, like art supplies, building blocks, or even a simple cardboard box. These kinds of items can spark creativity and keep kids engaged for longer than you might expect.

4. Embrace the Mess: Let go of the idea that your home must be perfectly tidy all the time. Creativity can be messy, and that’s okay. The mess is temporary, but the skills your kids develop are lasting.

5. Reflect on the Benefits: After a few weeks of embracing boredom, take a moment to reflect on the changes you’ve seen in your kids—and in yourself. You might be surprised at how much they’ve grown in their independence and creativity.

Book Recommendation

Before you go, I want to leave you with a book recommendation that will help you dive deeper into this idea. The Self-Driven Child by William Stixrud and Ned Johnson offers valuable insights into how giving children more control over their lives can foster independence and reduce stress. It is a great resource for any parent looking to raise confident, self-sufficient kids.

You’ve got this, mama. Keep going, and don’t forget to breathe.