Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast - Episode 038 - Teach Your Child the Beauty of Boredom

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast

God has given me a desire to help women mature their relationship with Christ so you can raise set-apart children for Jesus. Today we’ll look at another way to be purposed in connecting with your child and Christ.

Episode #038 – Teach Your Child the Beauty of Boredom

Last week I took time to quietly observe a decorative metal pinwheel in the garden of a neighbor. When the wind gently blew, I saw the blade slowly spin, but when the wind increased, the pinwheel quickly spun without stopping for a few minutes.

The action of the cute garden accessory brought to mind how life challenges us. When the pinwheel blades stood still, which didn’t happen often, it reminded me of times when we have little going on. Perhaps things feel easy or we aren’t over-scheduled and moving from activity to project. As the wind increased and the pinwheel began moving, it was mindful of the action of life. How quickly we move through the hours, not always realizing the precious eternal moments quietly presented to us daily. When the blades furiously spun, it made me think of moments that feel eternally long when we’re faced with difficulties and trials, but become those hardships that can break or define our faith. They’re the times that cause us to fall to our knees in surrender and prayer or remind us to remain bowed before the Father, depending on the level of the humility we already possess.

I was thankful for the minutes spent watching the pinwheel. As I sat doing nothing except observing blades and pondering faith, I cherished the quiet time that to some might make them bored. Without boredom how are we to deepen thoughts, explore feelings in light of truth, or hear the voice of God speak? If adults can’t face boredom, how can we mentor embracing a simpler or pondering life to our children?

One skill a parent sometimes forgets to teach is the ability to look boredom in the eye and remain comfortable. This is an ability that many children simply haven’t experienced. Having nothing to do, yet forgoing a phone, tablet, or electronic device is an art that should be taught and used well.

Instead, most like to teach children how to combat boredom or how to keep from being bored. But I remember being bored as a child taught me to find something constructive to do, which usually involved creativity. As a Christian mom, I hope that if my children have nothing to do, instead of complaining about boredom, they will pick up a Bible or do something that can bring them closer to the Lord or that they will spend their time doing something that honors or pleases God.

While too much quiet time can be harmful to children, a wise parent looks for the balance that allows their child to develop and mature life skills they will carry to the next generation. For example, one hobby my youngest has enjoyed this spring is observing nature, meaning bugs in particular. Using a camera, magnifying glass, and several mini terrariums she has created from jars and other containers, she has collected and observed many insects. Gathering fun and interesting facts about each of the various kinds of insects has been interesting for her and educational for me. Her confidence has grown, while her level of boredom has declined. Seeing God’s creation in this new way has brought joy and knowledge that I hope will increase her faith and the abilities God placed within her.

Dealing with boredom is a life skill that will serve every child and enable them to reach the potential God has crafted inside each unique individual.

Colossians 3:23 says, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” Isn’t this a beautiful and applicable verse to use for the occurrence of boredom? Kids (and adults) should learn to foster a cheerful heart despite their level of activity or interest in life situations. With that cheerful heart, we carry the privilege of honoring God in all we do, through our actions and our attitude.

Would you like to know 5 ways you can turn boredom into success for your children?

1. When you allow your children to be bored, their brains get the opportunity to build critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as learn delayed gratification. Each of these offer important, long-term benefits.

2. When you allow your children to be bored, they gain the privilege of learning to adjust to, and embrace the quiet. Without it, they may never hear God speaking to their spirit.

3. When you allow your children to be bored, they learn to confront and be joyful in unpleasant or uncomfortable feelings and to seek the truth of God, as well as His understanding and guidance of emotions.

4. When you allow your children to be bored, they learn the important lesson that they don’t have to enjoy every activity they do, enabling them to develop discipline and commitment, skills they will carry into adulthood.

5. When you allow your children to be bored, they receive the opportunity to deepen attachment and connection with you and Christ. While sometimes children need to sit in silence to discover self and God, it’s also a beautiful way to find and enjoy simple activities together that may lead to meaningful memories and constructive conversation.

The more comfortable you are with silence and boredom, the more comfort your children will find. Embrace being bored and find the purpose behind silence. Let your children find new activities and interests. Help them develop the unique personalities and talents God purposed into them when they were fearfully and wonderfully made.

Dear Heavenly Father, You are so good to give us the capacity to embrace the quiet and the busy. Please enable us and our children to honor You with both. Equip us to mentor the way to enjoy boredom so that our children come to You for understanding and guidance when they find themselves craving more than what has been presented to them. Help them to look for You in all things and to know that through You they will find beauty in new ways each day. May they draw nearer to You and the person they are called to be in times of busy and boredom. We thank you for all seasons of our lives and for the ability to see You even in the stirrings of the wind through a pinwheel. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Thank you for listening to the “Purposed Parent/Connected Child” podcast. This summer the episodes will be shorter and I may occasionally offer favorite replays as I spend time with my family and follow a special collective I believe God is calling me to complete for Him.

Remember, this podcast, and the “Live With Eternal Perspective” podcast, may be found at terrihitt.com, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and they are part of the Spark Media Network. Both podcasts may also now be found on the Edifi app, where you can hear thousands of the best Christian podcasts in one place for your listening enjoyment.

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Remember, if we are not purposed in knowing Jesus ourselves and showing Him to the next generation, the world will sway them away from Christ. I pray that what you hear on this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Parent and Connect With Eternal Perspective.