It's GOOD for children to experience boredom...

I absolutely agree Anya If you learn to deal with boredom as a small child I'm sure you are less likely to spend your teenage years aimlessly causing trouble. Far better learn to make your own amusement rather than always have someone "entertaining" you.

Anya - that implies that clicking on a gadget is not just another way of relieving boredom, like reading a book or kicking a football around.

I see what Anya was saying now.
I agree with your post Katek.

If they have their devices Soon then they wouldn't be bored. It's good for them to have a technology free day and find other activities. Laptop/iPad etc have their place but they need to learn to think. Dgd and I are making felt finger puppets for littlest dgs and both she and visiting dgs had fab time at local country park activity day making/sailing mini rafts, rope swings. following nature trails and then we went geocaching. Dgs held back a little trying to be 'cool' but once he let his hair down he had a great time. They are both limited on screen time but dgs would hang on to it all day given half a chance. Lots of peer pressure even at just 9 with the boys.

True.

So you are saying be bored, but dont stay bored?

What do you mean by creating boredom would specifically prohibit the use of electronic devices?

BUT, hang onto this thought S2B ... if, as young children, they have taught themselves how not to be bored then they should have hobbies, interests, things to do, strategies, etc.. to prevent the 'devil makes work for idle hands' syndrome.

I agree with the general idea though.

I am mixed on this I think.
When they get to teenagers, boredom can help lead them into trouble.

KateK picking up a book is one of the positive paths out of boredom for your DGD and for many of us readers.

My GS (nearly 9) has his 'free time' very structured by his parents. When he comes here to visit, I often find him just glazing at nothing in particular. When once I asked what he was doing, he said 'it's just nice to sit and think sometimes Nana' ... I can appreciate that feeling.

Agree 100% Anya-have had this discussion with Dgd on more than one occasion. Fortunately she's a reader which helps greatly I think.

But creating boredom would specifically prohibit the use of electronic devices Lucky

If they are bored they just click on some electronic gadget. But better maybe than expecting others to relieve their boredom.

I often leave my 2 year old GD to potter about on her own as much as I can, whilst I get on with other things - it is a good lesson I think.

I totally agree Anya, they need time to discover how to keep themselves busy. I'm sure that some inventions are born from boredom.