Child Safe & 

Wellbeing

Bored Children Aren’t a Sign of Bad Parenting - It Boosts Creativity

With the holidays once again upon us, you might be thinking how am I going to keep my children entertained over these next two weeks? We might hear our children state ‘I’m bored’. When your child says, “I’m bored,” it’s easy to feel guilty or frustrated. 

But guess what? Boredom is actually good for children! It’s not a sign of bad parenting. In fact, it can encourage creativity. 

Today’s kids are surrounded by constant entertainment from screens, toys, and packed schedules, leaving little time for daydreaming or quiet reflection. Psychologists say that boredom helps children rest their minds and sparks imaginative thinking. A bored mind will naturally seek out something more interesting to do. 

Dr. Helen Street, a social psychologist, from the University of Western Australia, points out that children need more unstructured time. "Kids today have less time to play freely, which stifles creativity," she explains. “Creativity isn’t just about art. It’s about engaging with life, pursuing passions, and developing self-direction.” Historically, the value of boredom has been well-known. In the 1990s, German educators even removed toys from preschools for three months, which led kids to create imaginative games with just chairs and blankets.

 When children are left with fewer distractions, they naturally become more resourceful and creative. While technology often gets blamed for keeping kids passively occupied, it’s not the only problem. 

Dr. Street suggests parents should give kids more time for free play, where they can make their own choices and fully immerse themselves in fun activities. Counsellor Georgina Manning, director of Wellbeing for Kids, here in Melbourne, agrees saying that activities like building Legos, playing dress-up, or creating with cardboard can help kids clear their minds and avoid anxiety. 

Moorebank mum Kylie Reynolds says she notices how much screens absorb her kids’ attention. While her daughter finds other things to do when screens are off, her son struggles more. Still, she believes that boredom can lead kids to find more creative activities, just like when she was young, spending afternoons outside with friends. In short, allowing kids to feel bored isn’t neglectful. It gives them the chance to tap into their creativity and discover new ways to play. Next time you hear, “I’m bored,” take a deep breath and remember—it’s an opportunity for growth! Please see the full article on ‘Bored Children’ below.

Have a lovely and restful holiday break.

Kindest regards,

Jen Gulavin 

(Deputy Principal)

Meet some of our STAPS Staff