The Science Behind Boredom—and Why It Matters
Boredom often gets a bad rap—parenting advice and busy schedules can make any pause feel like failure. But whether you’re sprinting from activity to activity, or barely holding on as the clock ticks, if hearing “I’m bored” one more time might just be the tipping point, here’s a thought: Instead of handing over that iPad or screen-based toy, let boredom do its thing—and watch autonomy and imagination spark.
Kids—from toddlers to teens—aren’t just seeking distraction, they’re striving for autonomy. Yet today’s fast-paced, screen-saturated world too often robs them of the space to fail, explore, and create on their own terms. That’s why I founded Boredom is Brilliant: to offer screen-free activities that cultivate healthy development, build confidence, and empower independent problem-solving.
I came of age during a major shift: time spent putting pen to paper in elementary school evolved into typing essays by college, and then—thanks to COVID—nearly all our routines went virtual. Looking back across classrooms and life milestones, I saw how increasingly mediated life can erode curiosity and connection. Now, with AI accelerating change, the need to teach kids how to pause, play, and think matters more than ever.
So let’s replace autopilot with action. Let’s build a community grounded in real, unplugged moments. As kids get older, you won’t always be there to guide them, but you can raise kids who don’t just follow screens—who shape a screen-free world worth living in.
Research shows that screen time isn’t inherently evil—but when it crosses recommended limits, it’s consistently linked to developmental delays, sleep disruptions, and emotional concerns, especially in young children (read here). One study even found that four-plus hours a day raises the odds of anxiety, depression, and ADHD (read here).
On the flip side, boredom isn’t just a gap to fill—it’s fertile ground for creativity. Reviews of multiple educational studies suggest children often do their best imaginative work when boredom meets freedom and support (read here).
