Boredom

This looong summer break, I was especially concerned if our girls would be very bored being in our small town in east Africa, where there’s nothing much to do.

There aren’t malls.

Internet isn’t typically fast enough to download lots of movies.

Art and stationary supplies are very, very limited.

Finding a board game in store is an announcement on our local WhatsApp group.

Most days, it’s just us and the garden.

But over time, I’ve really learnt to be filled with gratitude at the blessing being here has been- helping us marvel at the creativity that comes with simplicity.

My girls know my maxim— “boredom is not a problem for me to solve, it’s in your hands to make it go away.”

These days when Cliff and I emerge from our solo work spaces (which is several hours each day), we’re always surprised by the antics the girls get up to.

They spend entire mornings setting up imaginary spas…

Think advertising brochures, cut cucumbers…

… art museums entries..

… with elaborate art exhibits…

… of different mediums…

… or play “trash to treasure” by making things out of leftover boxes…

… and find endless ways to create stories out of little.

If I ever had the chance to share ONE piece of advice that changed my life in parenting, it’s to hold restraint in solving our children’s boredom.

Don’t fill it with enrichment,
or games,
or screen time.

Once upon a time I used to be a stressed out parent trying to recreate the same “maximized mentality” childhood I had grown up with.

But maybe… we just need to let children just be.

I really can’t wait to see what they end up pursuing in their lives.

Maybe one day I’ll emerge from my work space and be surprised again, and then remind myself— this is how it has always been.