The Wonders of Boredom
How letting children be bored allows them to explore, learn, and develop their imagination
November 12, 2025 / Written by STORYVOR editors
Illustration by Luisa Frerk
Boredom is great. There, we said it. With teachers speaking out about having to structure 45 minute lessons in short, TikTok-reel-like bursts in order to keep students’ attention, children’s extracurricular and homework schedules going well into the evening, and the noise of social media dopamine farming a near constant in young people’s lives, we want to take this opportunity to celebrate the concept that to be bored might just be the best thing a child can be these days.
At this point you might be asking: “Why is STORYVOR, a literacy resource meant to encourage reading and a love of books, talking about boredom? Books aren’t boring.” And of course we agree: Books aren’t remotely boring. But boredom often just means that the joy and excitement of dopamine are slow in coming. Sometimes boredom also means that no one is handing the entertainment or curiosity to us, but that we have to look for it and find it ourselves. In our current culture, where gratification is instant, and entertainment options limitless, everything not instant — like books, drawing, practicing a musical instrument, slowing down, listening, or sitting in silence — can quickly be labeled dull and pushed aside. We want to take a stand for all of those “boring” things. For the sake of literacy, we think it’s vital that we do.
This November, we’re talking about how literacy can be promoted and integrated into children’s and student’s lives beyond the page. This can be done through music, as shown in educator Sarah Silverkey’s article last week. But it can be done even more simply, by helping children learn to slow down, disconnect from the frenetic pace of screens, and exist in spaces where entertainment isn’t handed to them but made by them.
Illustration by Luisa Frerk
Books are a wonderful way to practice this recalibration, because they encourage readers to actively participate in imagery, words, and language. They invite us to be a part of other people’s lives and stories for pages, chapters, hours, weeks. Where an instagram feed can be briefly amusing, moving, and even educational, they’re engineered to give us what we want as quickly as possible. This also means giving us what we want as simply as possible. It sets the precedent that education, amusement, and understanding must happen at once, which quickly leads to a loss of nuance in the information we consume. More complex ideas and emotions become too slow and uninteresting to delve into. We remain at the surface of topics, and at the mercy of brevity. Our curiosity remains, but if it’s not satisfied at once, we often move on.
Books and stories, on the other hand, teach us that working for gratification can be just as exciting as getting it spoon-fed to us. Unlike social media content, stories and books require something of us — attention, concentration, patience, mental participation — and they also give back to us in equal measure. When we raise children on a diet of stories and reading, those children go into the world able to delve into subjects, empathize, think outside of the box, and even regulate their emotions and reward systems more sustainably, important antecedents for later outcomes including addiction risk and behavioral problems.
Below you’ll find some simple tips encouraging parents to help children slow down and reframe the idea of “boring”. Drawing a picture? Slow. Reading a book? Slow. But the rewards are huge.
How to turn “I’m bored” into imagination and exploration
1. Create an inspiring environment
A huge part of letting children be bored is to first make sure their environment allows them to create their own entertainment or satiate their curiosity. This doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate. It can be as simple as a cardboard box they can turn into an imaginary castle, a space they can run around in, or a visit to the library.
Children rely on access and example to shape their personalities and habits. Meaning, they need access to materials and examples on how to interact with those materials. Boredom really only turns creative if kids have tools to explore. Keep art supplies, books, blocks, and science posters within reach. Then step back and let them choose.
2. Reduce screen overload
Instant entertainment trains children to expect constant stimulation. Limiting screens helps them rediscover real-world play, curiosity, and patience. Try implementing screen-free times and spaces as much as possible. When children do have access to screens, try introducing them to slower media and audio learning in order to develop attention spans.
3. Build in unstructured time
Resist the urge to fill empty time in your children’s schedules. Play is learning. Imagination is learning. Being silly, making up stories, or staring at the ceiling can be learning. If you can, leave parts of your child’s day free from scheduled activities, screens, and organized play. Unstructured time gives their imagination and curiosity room to breathe, and teaches them to take initiative.
4. Reframe “I’m bored”
How we talk about boredom changes how children think about it. When your child complains, resist jumping in with a list of ideas. Instead, say things like: “Sounds like you’ve got some free time. What could you make or explore?” Boredom is opportunity, and a gentle shift in language can make it exciting instead of stressful.
5. Balance freedom with guidance
No matter how much you want to encourage imagination and autonomy, children still need routine and support. Mix structured activities (like sports or family chores) with open-ended time. The balance is where growth happens.
How to keep boredom healthy and balanced
1. Check the feeling behind “I’m bored”
Not all “I’m bored” moments are created equal, and sometimes the tips above, like creating unstructured time, may feel like leaving your child alone with their struggles. Sometimes “bored” can mean tired, lonely, or overwhelmed. A quick check-in with your child and initiating a conversation can make a difference.
2. Match expectations to age
Younger children need more guidance and support. Offer gentle prompts (“Would you like to draw or build something?”) instead of full freedom.
3. Remember that every child is different
Some children thrive on freedom. Others prefer togetherness and guidance, and can quickly feel neglected if given too little interaction. Pay attention to what energizes your child, and adjust the balance as they grow, encouraging them to develop beyond their comfort zone, whatever that might be.
