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Most parents don't want their children to get bored... ever! Just think of the many hours and dollars parents spend keeping their children busy with sports, music, art classes, after-school activities - not to mention the toys, videos, computer games etc. that we give our children to keep boredom at bay.  Homeschooling parents often see the field trips and classes offered by homeschool groups as necessities. Children hanging around the house complaining that “there’s nothing to do” is something most parents want to avoid.   However, there is another way to look at this.  May I challenge you to look at boredom as something positive?  Let's consider the following:

Boredom can force children to get creative. At first you may hear whining, complaining and pouting. But if boredom is allowed to run its course, eventually the child will become so desperate that he may make up a game with his imagination or she may find some scraps of fabric and start a doll quilt. Would that have happened if mom or dad would have jumped to eliminate the boredom at the first complaint?

Boredom can force children to pick up a book and read. Some kids read all the time anyway - but an active child may never pick up a book until there's absolutely nothing else to do.  Sometimes there should be absolutely nothing else to do!

Boredom helps children become more observant. A child rushed from one activity to the next becomes oblivious to her surroundings. A bored child is looking for something to do, and will pay more attention to her environment.

Boredom allows time for thinking - for getting to know oneself. This may be the best reason to allow your child to experience boredom.  A child with nothing to do is forced to think about what he likes or dislikes, and what his interests are.  He'll have the chance to do and try things because he wants to, not because his mom signed him up for something, or because a friend was doing it. Boredom gives him time to think thoughts that teach him about himself.

So, what to do about boredom? I encourage you to see boredom in a little different light. Look at it as a friend that can help your children develop their creativity and give them precious time to think their own thoughts, read some good books and observe their world.

Charmaine Wistad has successfully homeschooled her own two children from pre-school through high school.  Now she is turning her attention toward helping other homeschool moms. Through personal coaching, Charmaine helps homeschooling moms thrive… not just survive! Visit her website to try a complimentary no-obligation telephone coaching session.