Last weeks FB post led to a question from one of my readers.
“Why are kids so bored these days?” She asked. Then she continued, “I never noticed it when ours were young. Maybe more imagination in the olden days?”
That’s a good question, and you are right!
But why do kids lack imagination and innovation? I am sure there are many reasons, but I want to focus on one I think is plausible, prevalent, and best of all correctable.
Kids are used to being entertained all the time! They go to pre-school where they either watch TV or some adult reads to them or plays with them. When they are 3 they start playing soccer and then T-ball, all the time having adults subject to their wants and needs.
School is no different; they are either in class being entertained, playing in the band, exercising in PE, being coached in a sport, singing or eating. No time for individuals to find something to do by themselves!
None of the above is bad by itself, but when there is constant supervised play or other structured activity kids develop little imagination and become addicted to having an adult waiting on them.
I suggest in “Messengers in Denim”, that we all, kids too, need some time every day just to do nothing structured. Just watch the clouds, and “…learn to relax in day-to-day living. Read a book; listen to music; visit … a park, or a garden. I find great relaxation in my garden. The shade cools the summer sun and the scent of roses fills the air. I recall my day, reflect on my life, and plan for the future. Often I think about all the kids I have known over the years. Relaxing lets the stress and anger of the day dissolve away.” One of the reasons parks and gardens, including mine, have benches is so we can have a place to just sit and think!
Doing nothing teaches us (kids especially) to think, to imagine, to be inventive and innovative.
But, time to relax must be balanced with time for work. To quote from “Messengers” again: “All work and no play may make Johnny a dull boy, but all play and no work gives him an entitlement mentality that may well doom him, as well as society.” Thanks, M for this question. It got me to think!