Bored

I love Sundays. They are the one day of the week that we don’t usually have any commitments or activities scheduled. I try to use these days to rest and get ready for the week ahead. In theory, Sundays should be relaxing, but lately guilt has been creeping in on these days, and I have a hunch that I’m not the only one who experiences this. I have a hard time letting my kids be bored.

I feel guilty if we are not working on something with Ryder, as though we should always be focused on goals and skills. I feel like I’m disappointing the kids if I don’t have some fun activity or outing planned. I worry that they aren’t getting enough stimulation. It’s almost like I believe that one lazy day is going to ruin them and their little minds. I’ve been trying to figure out where this mom guilt comes from. When did we start believing we need to plan every minute of every day or that every activity needs to be an extravagant one? My husband has been telling me for years that we don’t always need to be doing something. I know he’s right. My tired body knows he’s right. Yet I still find it difficult.

So, what’s wrong with letting my kids be bored? Nothing. In fact, they’re not really bored for long because they always find something to do. Not having a schedule or a plan allows them time for free play. They’re forced to use their creativity and imagination to find something to do, which is an important part of their development. If I’m feeling tired from the daily grind, wouldn’t it be safe to assume that they might be tired too? Even Ryder often naps on our lazy days. Don’t get me wrong, of course I’m still parenting on these days. We still play and go outside, which requires supervision because of their ages and needs. Sometimes they need a suggestion or a point in the right direction to get them inspired. They still need food and water and other necessities of life, but I’m trying hard to let go a little and just let the kids be sometimes. Ryder is a little bit different because he needs more movement and more assistance with play, so I often book him an outing with his aide; but sometimes our day is just wide open. I’m also usually working away at a massive pile of laundry and prepping meals for the week ahead. I sip on coffee and read the news in between helping someone open up the play dough, and getting the other one down from where they’ve perched themselves on the kitchen table. I’m not lying around doing nothing, but even if I were, what would be so wrong with that?

In an age where our kids lives are filled with play dates, and organized sports and activities, learning to be bored and finding ways to overcome that boredom are important skills to learn. So go ahead every now and then, throw that mom guilt out the window, and let them be bored!