At RINKA, we believe that children’s well-being grows through exploration, imagination — and yes, even boredom.
In a world where schedules are packed and screens are always at hand, boredom often feels like something to avoid. But what if we told you that boredom is actually essential for your child’s growth?
Why Boredom Matters
Boredom gives children the opportunity to:
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Develop their imagination
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Build problem-solving skills
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Strengthen emotional resilience
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Foster independence
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Cultivate self-motivation
When we allow our children the time and space to feel bored, we are giving them a priceless opportunity: the chance to engage in free-play.
The Role of Free-Play
Free-play is when children play without adult direction, set rules, or a defined end goal. It’s messy, it’s unpredictable — and it’s vital.
Through free-play, children explore the world around them, make decisions, resolve conflicts, test ideas, and develop physical, emotional, and social skills naturally.
At RINKA, we incorporate free-play into our classes because we know it builds the foundations for happy, healthy, and resilient children. And it’s just as important to encourage it at home too!
10 Hints and Tips for Creating Time and Space for Boredom (and Free-Play!) at Home
1. Protect Unstructured Time
Don’t feel the need to fill every afternoon with activities. Leave chunks of the day free, especially weekends and holidays.
2. Limit Screen Use
Screens are boredom-busters — but in the wrong way. Create screen-free times where kids must find non-digital ways to entertain themselves.
3. Create a “Boredom Basket”
Fill a basket with open-ended materials like paper, crayons, recycled boxes, fabric scraps, string, and tape — things that can be turned into anything!
4. Avoid Solving Their Boredom
When your child says, “I’m bored,” resist jumping in with ideas. Instead, say, “That’s great! I wonder what you’ll come up with?”
5. Provide Open-Ended Toys
Favour toys like blocks, dolls, balls, and art supplies that don’t have a ‘right way’ to be used.
6. Embrace Mess and Outdoors
Let them dig in the garden, make mud pies, climb trees, and build forts. Outside is the ultimate playground!
7. Encourage Independent Play
Gradually build up the amount of time your child spends playing alone without adult involvement.
8. Model Boredom Positively
Show them that it’s okay not to be busy all the time. Model sitting quietly, daydreaming, reading, or tinkering yourself.
9. Allow for “Nothingness”
Don’t feel guilty if your child lies on the floor staring at the ceiling. Quiet, reflective moments are vital too.
10. Celebrate Creativity When It Comes
When your child creates a game, builds something, or invents a story during their “bored” time, praise their creativity and independence, not just the end product.
Final Thought
At RINKA, we believe in giving children the tools they need for lifelong wellbeing — and that includes the ability to create, imagine, and entertain themselves.
Next time your child says, “I’m bored!”, take a deep breath, smile, and remember: boredom isn’t a problem to solve — it’s a gift to cherish.
Want more ideas for helping your child thrive? Find a RINKA class near you here: Find Children’s Fitness Classes Locations | Rinka