Why Having a Bored Child Can Be Beneficial: Insights from Pediatric Speech Therapy in NYC
I invite you to consider that sometimes, having a bored child can teach valuable skills.
Most parents are experts at scheduling play dates, dance classes, art lessons, and, of course, the seasonal sporting teams and soccer events.
As a provider of pediatric speech therapy in NYC, I often see how children benefit when they also have time to slow down. Downtime gives them space to think, imagine, and explore on their own.
We all know that in American culture, ‘being busy’ is a prized and honed skill, often developed at a young age.
In this moment, I invite us to reflect on all this busyness in our lives.
Is all this busyness serving a meaningful purpose in our lives?
I understand that having a well-rounded resume for college admissions is extremely important – of course!
Achieving a balance between scheduled classes and some downtime for children can be equally important.
This downtime can allow your child’s nervous system to organize and calm after a long day at play or school.
It may be tempting to fill your child’s day with planned and structured activities.
I know your child’s frequent refrain to you might sound something like: “Mommy, I am so bored.”
Rest assured, boredom can be beneficial to a child’s development, particularly because it teaches them valuable life skills and lessons.
Boredom: The Gateway to Creativity and Growth
These skills are best learned through experience.
When a child is bored, they can learn to:
- Use their imagination.
- Problem solve.
- Think creatively.
- Invent stories.
- Create games.
- Engage in meaningful spontaneous conversations.
- Explore different learning opportunities.
- Engage in their environment in novel ways.
- Explore different sensory experiences.
So, the next time your child says, “ I am so bored and there is nothing to do, Mom.” Remember this advice from a pediatric speech therapist in NYC.
Invite your child to embrace their imagination!
Encourage them to freely explore their environment!
Let them get messy and make some mistakes!
Invite them to explore open-ended games like playing:
- Hide and seek.
- Restaurant.
- Make-believe dress-up games.
- Theatre acts.
- Invention games.
The possibilities are endless …
Encourage your child to embrace those moments of boredom and quiet.
In this boredom, imagination rises – and from one’s imagination, the greatest ideas and innovations are born.
Take the Next Step With Pediatric Speech Therapy at Chatty Child
If your child needs support to embrace and thrive in their downtime, the Chatty Child team can help.
Let us help you find what ignites their passion for learning.
Are you ready to experience the difference of bespoke, holistic, compassionate, personalized care at Chatty Child?
Chatty Child’s speech therapists can assess your child’s speech and language skills and treatment plan to address any areas of concern, while working seamlessly with your child’s medical team to achieve the best therapeutic outcomes for your child and family.
To book an in-person or online speech therapy assessment and treatment sessions with Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP, please visit our website at: www.chattychild.com, email: info@chattychild.com, or call: 347 491 4451
Sincerely,
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP
Nurture Creativity and Growth With Pediatric Speech Therapy in NYC
In a world filled with constant stimulation, it can feel counterintuitive to let kids get bored—but boredom can actually spark creativity, imagination, and communication. At Chatty Child, our team specializing in pediatric speech therapy in NYC helps children develop these essential skills by blending play, connection, and mindful downtime. Through individualized, evidence-based care, we guide families in finding balance between structured activities and unstructured exploration—so children can build focus, confidence, and curiosity that lasts a lifetime.
Here’s how to begin your child’s journey with our team:
- Schedule a free 15-minute phone conversation to discuss your child’s needs and learn how speech therapy can help them grow through play and communication.
- Book a comprehensive evaluation to identify your child’s strengths and areas for support, creating a personalized therapy plan that nurtures both language and creativity.
- Start therapy sessions that encourage imagination, storytelling, and social connection, helping your child thrive in both structured and spontaneous settings.
- Watch your child blossom as they gain confidence, learn new communication tools, and rediscover the joy of exploring their world freely.
Boredom isn’t something to fix. It’s an opportunity to grow. Let’s help your child find their voice, curiosity, and creativity together.
Helping Kids Flourish: Holistic Support at Chatty Child
At Chatty Child, we understand that raising children in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world presents unique challenges. That’s why our approach goes beyond traditional speech therapy to support the whole child. We foster communication, confidence, and emotional growth. Also, we equip parents and caregivers with tools to help kids balance screen time with meaningful, real-world connections.
- InterAct – A dynamic program using storytelling, role-play, and imagination to strengthen expressive language and boost self-confidence.
- Occupational Therapy – Builds sensory processing skills, fine motor abilities, and independence in everyday routines.
- Teletherapy – Convenient online speech and occupational therapy sessions for families throughout New York State, bringing care to you, wherever you are.
- Tutoring – Personalized academic support in reading, writing, and problem-solving that nurtures curiosity and confidence in the classroom.
- Functional Nutrition – Guidance to improve focus, emotional balance, and physical wellness during key developmental stages.
- Consulting – Coaching for parents, teachers, and professionals to create consistent strategies across home, school, and therapy.
- Group Programs – Fun, interactive sessions that encourage social-emotional growth, communication, and learning through play.
By combining creativity with evidence-based methods, our team helps children strengthen communication, build resilience, and thrive in therapy, at home, and beyond.
Heather Boerner: A Leader in Pediatric Speech Therapy in NYC
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP, is a New York State–licensed and nationally certified speech-language pathologist with more than twenty years of experience supporting children through speech therapy in NYC. Beyond her clinical expertise, Heather is a certified mindfulness and meditation instructor, a trauma-informed practitioner, and a proud member of the neurodiverse and differently-abled community. Her lived experiences play a meaningful role in shaping her compassionate and holistic therapeutic style.
Inspired by her own journey as a differently-abled individual, Heather founded Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC—a welcoming, inclusive practice devoted to empowering children through tailored, heart-centered care. She is also the author of Carrie the Colorful Chameleon, a children’s book that fosters confidence, learning, and connection. The book includes a teaching guide to help parents and educators extend its lessons into everyday life.
Heather and her dedicated team provide both in-person therapy at their Tribeca, Manhattan clinic and virtual services across New York State, helping every child find their voice, build confidence, and express themselves with joy.
