« Boredom is healthy [...], it forces children to find ways to amuse themselves and to get out of this state of boredom ». - Jambette's white paper.
In order for children to engage in free play, they have to have the opportunity. Therefore, one of the essential conditions is to leave the child sufficient unstructured time to avoid interruptions. Naturally, we are inclined to find ways to keep children busy so that they don’t get bored. However, boredom is healthy. Why? Because it forces children to find ways to amuse themselves and to get out of this state of boredom. A fabulous exercise to help them develop their creativity!
In conclusion, boredom is educational for children. It offers them a springboard for creativity because it encourages them to use their own resources and forces them to develop their autonomy, an essential quality.
To discover the basics of free play, the benefits, the risks and for smart solutions, download for free our Smart little guide to help children develop through free play.