Why Having A Bored Child Can Be Beneficial: From a NYC Speech Therapist’s Point of View
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.
We all know in this American culture that ‘being busy’ is a prized and honed skill – starting at a young age.
In this moment – I invite us to reflect on all this busy-ness in our lives.
Is all this busy-ness 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 free and unplanned 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.
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.
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.
If your child needs support to embrace and thrive in their downtime the Chatty Child team can help.
If your child is struggling we 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 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
Meet the Author: A Pediatric Speech Therapist in NYC
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP, is a nationally certified and New York State licensed speech-language pathologist with over two decades of experience providing pediatric speech therapy in NYC. In addition to her clinical background, Heather is a certified mindfulness and meditation teacher, a trauma-informed provider, and a proud neurodiverse and differently-abled individual. Her personal and professional experiences deeply inform her approach to care.
Heather’s own journey as a differently-abled person led her to establish Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC, an inclusive practice dedicated to empowering children through individualized, compassionate support. She is also the author of Carrie the Colorful Chameleon, a children’s book that promotes confidence, learning, and friendship. The story includes a teaching guide designed for use by parents and educators alike.
Heather and her team offer services both in-person at their Tribeca, Manhattan clinic and virtually throughout New York State, helping children grow in confidence, communication, and self-expression.
