Comments on: Viva Boredom! Let Your Kids Get Bored

By: Vanessa

Vanessa — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 01:15:16 +0000

For years I have been imposing ‘fasting’ on my kids from TV and computers. It works!! Friends think I am crazy and a mean Mum but they’re the ones not doing it or reaping the rewards. The greatest benefits I have observed are imagination play, improved negotiation skills, cooperation, problem solving, fun, laughter, relationship building, sibling friendship…..the list goes on. Those board games and other toys we spend a heap of $$ on at Christmas ACTUALLY get played with – fancy that!

By: Nadeem

Nadeem — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 17:25:41 +0000

Is this one of the reasons why Saturday morning cartoons have diminished significantly all because some concerned parent(s) or members of the FCC feel that a multitude(if you will) of cartoons can interfere with parents’ preferences to spend quality time with their kids on the weekend, it may even prevent kids from exercising their imagination or engaging in other activities? Besides in the U.S. there is what is called the Cartoon Network which broadcast cartoons 24/7 while in Canada(my country) we have what is called Teletoon and Teletoon Retro (both English & French versions.) Teletoon Retro,incidentally, broadcasts some cartoons as far back as the ’50s and or ’60s.

When I was just a kid I only viewed specific or at least the most favorite Saturday morning cartoons and I didn’t particularly like it when I missed some cartoons for swimming lessons (even though it payed off in the long run) and took Tae Kwon Do lessons when I was 9-10 years of age. But since I’m an adult I obviously have found other ways to keep myself occupied on Saturdays.

By: Jessica

Jessica — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 21:21:08 +0000

Great post and a great reminder for all ages – adults need to be bored, too! Our firstborn is only 9 months old but I still think the issue of boredom applies, albeit the expression and management of it is different since he isn’t as independent as an older child. Reading this post, I see that we’re on the right path. From the beginning he’s had some type of ‘independent play’, as a newborn this was 5-10 mins on the blanket or in the bouncer where I could see him but was out of his way. Now he plays in his play yard for 30-45 mins once a day, happy as a clam. I had read that provided too many toys to choose from can be overwhelming so I tried to give him a few at a type to master and rotate them every few days. Right now he just loves containers of any sort. Doesn’t care for the toys inside, just give him the box!

Lastly, on the topic of TV, I read in Jim Trealese’s (sp?) Read-Aloud Handbook how he and his wife applied the no TV rule during the week when his kids were already in school. It didn’t go over well, obviously, but eventually the kids adjusted. So we decided (and hopefully will stick to it!) to save TV time until after he’s in bed at night. That way, by the time he’s in school it should be normal for him to not watch anything during the week. We’ll see… the best intentions of mice and men, right? 😉 But this has already made a positive impact in my day to day happenings. I get more done during the day and have more quality time with my son, and then in the evening as a family, than I would if the TV was on.

I’m thrilled to have found this blog. What a great resource!

By: D Morris

D Morris — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 01:06:23 +0000

I couldn’t agree more. My children used to spend way too much time watching television or playing video games, and not enough time outdoors. My husband and I then decided to put our foot down. The kids had to play inside or out for at least two hours for every hour of television they watch. Funny thing is, now we can’t get them inside 🙂

By: Bethany

Bethany — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 12:56:56 +0000

They are never really bored for long are they. This is so true!

By: Melissa Taylor

Melissa Taylor — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 04:09:08 +0000

In reply to Brenda. Good for you!! I would love to hear more so if you ever have any interest in guest posting, email me!

By: Brenda

Brenda — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 20:00:12 +0000

Great article! I totally agree that it wouldn’t take too long to start seeing creative play. If you don’t want to rid of the TV, then perhaps start slow and just use the TV for family movies, but keep it off at other times. This works well for teens also! I have 3 teens and we are 6 months into having no cable. We are challenged some days, but busy most days.

By: Melissa Taylor

Melissa Taylor — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 14:27:34 +0000

In reply to Wendy Young, LMSW, BCD. Exactly! Thanks for all you do, Wendy!