“I am getting bored” – parents ignore this statement. Instead of finding them a healthy activity, they leave them on their own thinking it is temporary. Kids are full of zeal and zest. They need to put their energy to work or otherwise they get bored. It usually happens when they have ample free time. This is when they usually turn to their digital devices and play games, surf the internet, watch videos or kill time on social media. Even in school days, when they have a little free time they prefer spending it on the internet.
The use of devices is the destructive outcome of boredom. This becomes a habit and soon they try to find free time so that they can use their phones. Often it happens that they have different things to do, but they go for their devices instead. These are the signs of addiction.
Overuse of technology is harmful to them in a lot of ways. They lose interest in physical activity and social interaction. It damages their metabolism, eyesight, posture and mental health with the risk of depression and anxiety. The worst outcome is screen addiction. This becomes a way of their life and stays with them for the rest of the time.
You don’t want such a life for your kids. Here is a two-step procedure to help them overcome boredom in healthy ways.
Step one: Limit the use
The first step is to limit the devices so that they don’t reach for their gadgets whenever they feel bored. You can do this by restricting their device access with a limit screen time app like FamilyTime. It applies screen locks for restriction. When the lock is activated, kids cannot use their devices. It gets deactivated on its own accord. Time is managed and set by the parents. Limited access means their devices are not going to help them. They would have to do something else. It can also be used to limit distractions and disruptions at the dinner table or at night. Try this app for free.
Go to Google Play or Apple store or tap on the buttons below:
Step two is the old-school method of involving them in healthy activities. The easiest way is to enroll them in a dance class, music lessons, drawing lessons or a game. If not you can always arrange that at home. Bring them art supplies, ask them to help you with cooking, do some deep cleaning in the living room or simply play darts. There is so much more to do once you get a break from your devices.
The key is to not let them get bored and arrange different constructive things to do – anything that doesn’t result in overuse of digital devices. It is important to keep them busy as boredom also leads to depression and negativity. A limit screen time appis perfect for ensuring productive device-free time for them. So the next time they are bored and scrolling up and down on Facebook, ask them to write a poem about it instead!
Step two: Constructive activities
Step two is the old-school method of involving them in healthy activities. The easiest way is to enroll them in a dance class, music lessons, drawing lessons or a game. If not you can always arrange that at home. Bring them art supplies, ask them to help you with cooking, do some deep cleaning in the living room or simply play darts. There is so much more to do once you get a break from your devices.
Keep them going!
The key is to not let them get bored and arrange different constructive things to do – anything that doesn’t result in overuse of digital devices. It is important to keep them busy as boredom also leads to depression and negativity. A limit screen time appis perfect for ensuring productive device-free time for them. So the next time they are bored and scrolling up and down on Facebook, ask them to write a poem about it instead!