Parents warned: ‘let kids be bored’ this Toussaint

The recommendations come ahead of the holiday break, as parents allegedly seek to fill their children’s calendar with as many activities as possible in fear of them becoming bored, as reported in French news source 20 Minutes.

“Parents are often so afraid that children will ‘lose the rhythm’ that they have the rest of the year, and plan all sorts of outings and activities,” explains psychologist Isabelle Pailleau. “But if we fill their timetables up during the holidays, we never let them slow down or savour the moment.”

Etty Buzyn, psychologist, specialist in infant childhood and co-author of the book “Dad, mum, leave me time to dream!” (Papa, maman, laissez-moi le temps de rêver!), said this runs the risk of children “not actually having a holiday”, and never giving them time to think.

“In a society that values energy and over-activity, we have a tendency to make holidays just as busy as the rest of the year. But this means that children have lost the habit of ‘being bored’. They no longer invent games, and it makes them less curious,” she said.

Anne Lefebvre, another psychologist and the president of the Association for the Education in Reduction of Screen Time (Association pour l'éducation à la réduction du temps écran, (Alerte)), agrees, warning of the ‘over-consumption’ of screens and digital devices.

“Children are now always seeking immediate pleasures, and when they stop, they feel empty,” she said. “They don’t want to do anything, and they close in on themselves.”

The psychologists say that children should have more time “to be bored” during holiday periods, because this actually allows them to stimulate their imaginations, and create the new brain neuron connections that come about when the mind has a break from stimulation.

“The brain’s neurons activate when we are not getting individual stimulation,” explains Lefebvre. “This allows the child to concentrate on its own development, and creates more introspection and empathy.”

Buzyn explains that these moments of ‘boredom’ will actually help children decide themselves what they want to do and what interests them, and will help develop their creative nature.

“They will invent stories or games, or even sit down and read,” she said. “They may even discover new passions and interests.”

Some children may find this easier than others, they conceded, but ultimately, most children will benefit from some quiet, ‘bored’ time, especially if they are not under pressure to ‘do something’, the psychologists said.

Toussaint, or 'All Saints' Day' takes place on 1 November, which falls on a Wednesday this year.