Embracing Boredom: The Secret to Raising Creative and Resourceful Kids

In an era where screens dominate and instant entertainment is just a click away, a growing number of moms are embracing the value of boredom as a tool for fostering creativity, resilience, and independence in their children. Renée Gadar, a 40-year-old hairdresser and mother of two from Harlem, is one such parent who believes in letting her kids figure things out when they’re bored. "You have lots of things to play with—go and figure it out," she tells her children, echoing the advice her own parents once gave her. And it works. Her 12-year-old son might spend hours reading a book, while her 9-year-old daughter dives into creative projects like coloring or imaginative play. For Gadar, it’s all about raising kids who can think for themselves and find joy in the simple things—a philosophy that’s gaining traction among parents and experts alike.

The Benefits of Boredom: Why It’s More Than Just a Feeling

According to Stacey Rosenfeld, a psychologist and mother of 11-year-old twin boys, boredom isn’t something to be feared or avoided. In fact, it’s a valuable life skill. "Learning how to tolerate boredom is an important skill," she explains. "There are always going to be times when we’re bored. If we never allow ourselves to have that feeling of wondering ‘What should I do with this time,’ how will we do that as adults?" Rosenfeld argues that boredom is an opportunity for kids to develop creativity, problem-solving skills, and self-reliance. When children are left to their own devices (literally and figuratively), they often surprise themselves—and their parents—with their ability to come up with innovative ideas and entertain themselves.

Katie Garnovsky, a full-time mom and freelance entertainment correspondent, agrees. She encourages her 5-year-old daughter to think creatively when she complains of boredom. "I ask her to look around and think about what she could do to use her brain," Garnovsky says. Together, they invent games like finding objects in the house that start with specific letters. It’s a simple approach, but one that fosters a sense of curiosity and engagement. For Garnovsky, the key is to let kids take the lead in solving their own boredom, even if it means stepping back and letting them figure things out on their own.

Less Screen Time, More Creativity: The Impact of Tech on Boredom

One of the biggest barriers to boredom—and, by extension, creativity—is technology. Renée Gadar, who studied early childhood education and once taught math to seventh and eighth graders, believes that the more time kids spend on devices, the less bored they are, which can stifle their imagination. "In my house, I have a low tolerance for technology," she admits, explaining that she limits her children’s screen time. While her son might grumble when she takes away his devices, he doesn’t put up much of a fight—a testament to the fact that this has been the norm in their home for years.

Rebecca Kennedy, Ph.D., a best-selling author and parenting expert, echoes this sentiment. She argues that kids are unlikely to get bored if they’re glued to screens, which provide constant stimulation and instant gratification. By removing these sources of distraction, parents can create space for their children to explore, imagine, and think for themselves. Kennedy emphasizes that boredom is a powerful catalyst for creativity and problem-solving. When kids are forced to look within for entertainment, they often come up with ideas and activities that they might not have considered otherwise.

Boredom Busters: Turning Everyday Moments into Opportunities for Play

For moms like Renée Gadar and Katie Garnovsky, boredom isn’t something to be feared or avoided—it’s an opportunity to engage with the world around them. Gadar, for instance, turns even the most mundane activities into fun, interactive experiences. Whether they’re eating out, shopping at Ikea, or running errands, she encourages her kids to stay present and connected. "If we’re going out to eat, we’re talking to each other," she says. "If we’re going to the store, we’re talking about what we’re seeing and we’re making jokes." For Gadar, these moments of togetherness are when her kids are at their most affectionate and engaged.

Katie Garnovsky takes a similar approach, incorporating her daughters into even the most routine tasks. "I want my kids to know that these things don’t have to be boring," she says. Instead of handing her kids a phone to entertain themselves while running errands, Garnovsky sees these moments as opportunities for creativity and connection. Her older daughter, for example, carries a notebook and pencil with her wherever she goes, using downtime to write, draw, or think. At the post office, Garnovsky might suggest writing a letter while they wait—a simple activity that sparks imagination and keeps her daughter engaged.

The Power of Unstructured Play: Why Kids Need Space to Explore

Dr. Stacey Rosenfeld sees boredom as one of life’s bonuses, particularly for children. "My sons will inevitably make up a game or they’ll go outside and play together," she says. These unstructured moments are where kids develop some of the most important skills they’ll carry into adulthood, like cognitive flexibility and creativity. When kids are left to their own devices, they learn to think on their feet, come up with new ideas, and adapt to changing circumstances. It’s in these moments of boredom that they discover their passions, develop their imaginations, and build resilience.

In the end, embracing boredom isn’t about neglecting our children or leaving them to fend for themselves—it’s about giving them the space to grow, think, and create. As the moms featured here can attest, boredom isn’t the enemy of childhood—it’s one of its greatest gifts. By letting kids figure things out for themselves, we’re not just raising entertained children; we’re raising resourceful, independent, and creative adults. And that’s something worth celebrating.