Children's positive boredom
The boredom it is a moment of expectation that parents should not resolve immediately. On the contrary, it is good to let the children get bored so that they learn to enjoy those moments that, in the long run, can be very constructive, that's why we talk about the positive boredom of the children. Besides, getting out of boredom is an innate capacity for children and many confuse boredom with sadness.
Causes of childhood boredom
Despite having a room full of toys, many children do not know what to do, do not know how to spend their free time, what to play or with whom. That is why it is important for parents to understand why our son is bored, that it has nothing to do with having the latest toys or having many friends.
Parents should be vigilant when boredom is the usual tone of our child. Sometimes, boredom can be the tip of the iceberg of depressive behavior. Children who do not know how to play and who they complain constantly about their boredom They may have a problem and it is advisable to consult a professional. Different is that this boring behavior has appeared suddenly and, then, it is convenient to look for the causes.
Time management and boredom of children
Sometimes, children do not know how to manage their time. It's normal, they're children. And sometimes, even if they have all kinds of toys, they remain dissatisfied, wanting more, and say "mom, I'm bored," without realizing both parents and children that what they really need is to play together. Cristina Gil Gil, teacher for twenty years and author of the book The teacher responds, explains in his book that "the game includes several aspects: pleasure, joy, fun, action and learning." And continues, "when children are small, they learn basically through imitation and trial-error, that is, they learn by playing to imitate what surrounds them and in that imitation the trial-error enters." They observe, imitate and repeat. . "
The different games depending on the age of the children
It is very important to choose games and toys well at each stage of the child's developmental development. Thus we favor their entertainment, their cognitive development, their freedom and their happiness.
- During the first year his game is spontaneous.
- After 2 years, the symbolic game appears, in which they will imitate everything they see. It is exceptional to develop your fantasy and imagination. This symbolic game will remain until 8 or 9 years old.
- About 4 or 5 years -continuing the symbolic game- the differences between sexes appear. Adults should not encourage this differentiation, it does not mean anything that a child plays with dolls or a girl to football.
- At 5 or 6 years the regulated game appears. They are already able to play under some rules, and with this they learn to lose.
The exceptionality of gifts for children
Sometimes, we believe that any time is good to make a gift to someone we want, but when dealing with children this should not be the case. Precisely because they are in a stage of continuous learning, if we fill our children with gifts, we will make everyday the exceptional of a gift, and therefore they will stop valuing it. We must try to avoid giving away in excess, repressing ourselves and not letting ourselves be carried away in situations such as birthdays, Christmas, good grades, birth of little brothers *
"We must educate our children in austerity, sobriety and the value of things," Gil Gil explains, "do you know which is the best toy in the world? The best game, the most fun, the one that all children want , unique and exclusive for each one * You parents! ".
Note that:
- Playing with our children creates links and is an excellent educational opportunity.
- Colmar a child of gifts implies stealing the ability to be surprised.
- The best gift is to be with them
Sara Pérez
Advice: Cristina Gil Gil, teacher and author of the book The teacher responds Tips for parents' educational concerns.
