How to Empower Your Child to Be Confident
Pictures—Please include 2 pictures that are focused on:
- Child that is bored but looking content (maybe staring off but not doing anything actively. Or looking like they are thinking about something which could be what to do next)
- Photo that looks like a child is teaching their parent something (how to do a dance move, how to play a game)
How to Empower Your Child to Be Confident
Why Your Child’s Boredom is a Superpower
Did You Know? Boredom Can Be a Good Thing
This is an instantaneous world. Favorite song? You can listen to it right now. Can’t remember the name of some random book your cousin told you about? You can Google it. Need something? It can be delivered to your doorstep tomorrow.
But do you remember waiting in line at the grocery store and not scrolling through your phone and just… being? Or how about when you didn’t have endless options on your TV to watch, so if your favorite show wasn’t on, you had to think of something to do? Our children don’t live in that world anymore. They don’t have as many opportunities to be bored. And boredom is a good thing.
In our world of fast-paced, nonstop entertainment, it’s critical that we teach our kids that happiness doesn’t come from being constantly entertained. Boredom is an opportunity for growth and creativity.
When we encourage our kids to manage their boredom, this can help them develop independence and a sense of empowerment over their own happiness. According to an article from the Child Mind Institute, boredom allows children to create their own fun and solutions rather than relying on us or other outside sources to fix their boredom.
What To Do When Your Child Says “I’m Bored”
We’ve all heard the dreaded “I’m bored” statement. And it can be frustrating. I’m sure you’ve got a house filled with things to do; your child has toys or games or, heck, even a cardboard box they can get creative with. But when you make suggestions, your kids just keep shutting them down.
It might be tempting to help them find something to do, allow them to turn to devices, or try to come up with ways to entertain them. But before you do, pause and think about some of the benefits of boredom.
Encouraging your kids to embrace boredom can help them:
- Build confidence
- Spark curiosity
- Empower confidence
So the next time your child says, “I’m bored,” try this fun practice to shift their mindset and lean into the boredom:
- Set a timer for 5 minutes with no distractions. Just you and your child, fully present.
- Ask them to teach you something new. Whether it’s a game, a dance move, or a fun fact, let them take the lead.
- Transform into your child’s student. Show genuine interest and enthusiasm for what they’re sharing.
This practice empowers children to be self-aware and self-expressive. They learn that their happiness and fulfillment come from within, not from external sources. You’ll be surprised how those 5 minutes turn into 10, then 15, and then they’re off doing something else. Boredom be gone!
The Magic of Boredom
Remember, empowering your child to believe in their own power starts with simple, intentional actions. Let’s raise kids who know their worth and aren’t afraid to share their gifts with the world. You’ve got this, and so do they!
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