Viw Magazine

Men's Weekly

.

  • Written by Mandie Shean, Lecturer, School of Education, Edith Cowan University

Most Australian children are stuck at home due to the outbreak of COVID-19. They need to find ways to socialise, do their school work, exercise and entertain themselves.

It’s not surprising parents may be hearing “I’m bored” a lot more than before.

People hate being bored. So much so that in one study, one-quarter of participants said they would rather give themselves a painful shock than be in a room with no external stimulus (music, books, phones) for 15 minutes.

This shows how much people want to escape the feeling of boredom.

But while boredom causes temporary uncomfortable feelings, it can be good for us in many ways – from stimulating creativity to helping train our concentration.

Why do we get bored?

Boredom is an emotional state, that is temporary. A bored person has unpleasant feelings, lacks interest in completing tasks and has problems paying attention.

A bored person has things they can do, they just can’t (or won’t) engage with activities.

Read more: Kids at home because of coronavirus? Here are 4 ways to keep them happy (without resorting to Netflix)

Boredom can come from lack of rest and nutrition, lack of mental stimulation or too much repetition (lack of novelty). People with a high sensitivity to reward, meaning those who need constant stimulation to feel satisfied, are more at risk of being bored.

Boredom doesn’t mean you don’t have things to do; you just don’t want to do them. Shutterstock

A person can get bored if a task isn’t stimulating enough, if the work is too hard or too easy and if activities lack meaning and challenge.

Lack of control can also contribute to boredom. In one study, students showed more boredom when an adult picked their leisure activity than when they were allowed to generate their own.

COVID-19 may throw up all these situations – sleepless nights, not enough novelty and a lack of control.

The good and bad of being bored

Boredom can lead to creativity. Participants in one study showed more divergent thinking (finding multiple uses for items, making connections between seemingly unrelated ideas and generating multiple creative ideas) after doing a boring task.

In another study, participants had to either complete a boring activity of sorting beans by colour, or a fun craft activity before completing a creative task. Participants who had to sort the beans showed a better quality and quantity of ideas than those who had engaged in a craft activity prior to the creative task.

Creativity emerges because when one is bored, people actively seek something stimulating. Creativity is a challenge that meets this need.

Being bored also helps train our concentration and attention. While it is easy to turn to electronic devices to entertain and distract when we are bored, research shows devices don’t fulfil boredom.

Read more: Students less focused, empathetic and active than before – technology may be to blame

In fact, this “shallow” engagement with our devices decreases our ability to concentrate, attend to tasks and find flow.

Sitting with boredom and solving it is an effective way to train ourselves to concentrate and persevere through hard or monotonous tasks.

It teaches us to go to different places in our minds when we don’t have external stimulation. In other words, our mind gets a workout. Boredom is good for us and it’s good for your kid.

Solutions to boredom

So if you find your child is getting bored, you don’t need to feel guilty you’re not entertaining them.

Instead, think about the following:

  • check your child isn’t just hungry or tired as everything can feel boring then. It isn’t boredom, just lack of energy to engage in an activity

  • these are unusual times where a lot feels out of control so see how you can provide your child with new day-to-day choices (such as a menu for the day, where you eat dinner or what order they do their school work in)

  • don’t feel obligated or responsible to stop this “terrible experience” for your children. They can develop internal resources (attention, self-regulation, creativity) by having to solve the boredom problem themselves

  • teach your child not to be afraid of the feelings that come with boredom, but excited. Boredom is a signal that indicates change is needed. Help them generate ideas and then pick one to engage in. Let them be responsible for the choice. Get them to create a boredom box with ideas they can choose from

  • boredom is sometimes just getting over the hard part of getting started. Your child may not be bored, just not knowing where to start. Help them break a task down and get started

  • our attention is easily stolen by our mobile devices as they provide an easy distraction. Try setting a timer with your family, turn off your devices, and all engage in something meaningful for 20 minutes. Creativity emerges in space. You’ll never know what you could achieve if you keep distracting them.

Psychologist Heather Lench, who explores motivation, says boredom stops us ploughing the same old furrow, and pushes us to try to seek new goals or explore new territories or ideas. Rather than reject it, work with it and see what you and your children can create.

Authors: Mandie Shean, Lecturer, School of Education, Edith Cowan University

Read more https://theconversation.com/parents-you-dont-always-need-to-entertain-your-kids-boredom-is-good-for-them-136383

Design That Sells: The Power of Exterior Aesthetics

We frequently underestimate the importance of first impressions, particularly in the real estate industry. As the initial point of contact f...

Why Natural Stone Remains a Favourite in Luxury Projects

When it comes to high-end design, every detail matters. Luxury spaces are not only about appearance; they’re about longevity, craftsmanshi...

Car Removal Melbourne: Turning Unwanted Cars into Value

Across Melbourne, thousands of old, damaged, and unused vehicles sit idle in driveways, garages, and backyards. They take up space, deteri...

Mini Dresses Australia: Most-Wanted Styles

Image source:Santori The Label Mini Dresses Australia: Most-Wanted Styles Few pieces capture the spirit of Australian fashion quite like t...

How an Eye Specialist and Ophthalmologist Melbourne Help Manage Complex Vision Needs

Vision is one of the most valuable senses, yet it is often overlooked until problems arise. In a world where screen use is at an all-time ...

One-Day Dental Crowns in Bangkok: Why Australians Are Choosing Thailand

Dental crowns are one of the most common restorative treatments for damaged teeth, but in Australia, the cost and long waiting times can be ...

Why the Humble Pizza Box Is a Cornerstone of Food Packaging

Few items in the world of food packaging are as iconic and universally recognized as the pizza box. More than just a container, it is a vi...

Automatic Sliding Screen Door: A Blend of Convenience and Modern Design

Modern homes and businesses are constantly evolving to embrace innovations that combine convenience, security, and style. Among these inno...

Your Go-To Electrical Wholesaler in Sydney for Quality Sparkie Supplies

Let's be fair dinkum, when you're a electrical technision in Sydney, the last thing you want is to be running around like a headless chook l...

Why Doctors Recommend Earplugs for Flying with Sinus Issues

Air travel is convenient, but for people with sinus issues, it can be anything but comfortable. The pressure changes that occur during takeo...

Tradies Make Great Money - So Why Aren't Kids Becoming Apprentices?

Jack loved building, fixing, and improving, and always assumed he would become a tradie like his dad. However, his dreams hit the skids when...

Breastfeeding for Working Mothers: How to Make It Work at Work

Being a breastfeeding working mothers can at times be quite a challenge. Mothers oftentimes wonder if they are capable of expressing milk, s...

Quietly Productive: How Smart Design and Flexible Furniture are Transforming Australian Offices in 2026

For decades, Australian workplaces have been shaped by the open-plan office. Once celebrated as the ultimate collaboration hub, it is now ...

Can’t Afford a First Home in Brisbane? Buy an Investment Property in Regional Queensland

You’re not the only one that is struggling to afford a home. First homes in Brisbane cost an arm and a leg and possibly a few organs too! ...

Understanding Airflow Requirements for Efficient Evaporative Cooling

Evaporative cooling works on a simple principle: drawing warm air through water-saturated pads and circulating the cooled air throughout a...

Garage Door Torsion Springs: What They Are and Why They Matter

Garage doors might seem simple, but they rely on a system of components that work together to provide smooth and balanced movement. One of...

Why a Retractable Hose Reel Is a Must-Have for Every Australian Property

When managing outdoor spaces, whether residential, commercial, or industrial, water management tools are essential. Among the most practic...

7 Signs Your Lorry Needs a Diesel Mechanic, Stat!

Your lorry is the backbone of your business. When it's running smoothly, everything else tends to fall into place. But what happens when t...

Mean Mother Air Compressor and Autostrada Cruise Control: Enhancing the Journey

Modern 4WD accessories like the Mean Mother air compressor and Autostrada cruise control systems transform both capability and comfort for...

Why Real Estate Is a Smart Long-Term Investment

When it comes to building wealth and securing financial stability, few opportunities stand as tall as real estate. Unlike short-term venture...