Boredom can actually contribute to personal development. Psychologists have found that the feeling of boredom can serve as a starting point for seeking new goals and exploring different hobbies. Arthur Brooks, a professor of public and nonprofit management at Harvard University, argues that boredom is necessary for deep reflection.
Children who do not experience boredom may grow up to be individuals who struggle with it. This state also stimulates brain activity, fosters curiosity, and develops creative abilities. By allowing children to manage their own time, we promote the development of their executive functions, such as goal setting and planning.
Natural selection supports traits that provide advantages, and boredom likely would not be so prevalent if it did not possess positive qualities.
Parents should avoid perceiving boredom as a problem that needs to be solved. Research shows that college students with overly involved parents are more likely to experience depression. Additionally, data indicates that young children who were often given screens to calm them struggled more with emotions as they grew older.
