I hate to see you without a smile on your face. I don’t like it when you’re uncomfortable or unhappy, but it isn’t my job to make sure you aren’t bored—and that isn’t the same as unhappy or not being cared for.
I put pressure on myself to make sure your life is full, that we do activities and that your days are fun. I take extra time to thoughtfully pack and prepare for going places, to fill the empty spaces in your schedule.
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But the reality is I can’t always (and shouldn’t always) try to prevent you from having downtime or unplanned time or waiting your turn.
In fact, being bored is a part of life.
Sometimes you will just have to ride in the car without a toy, wait at an appointment without a screen, spend an evening without a planned activity.
No one enjoys being bored, but waiting is something we all have to do. It teaches us patience. Not having constant entertainment or stimulation also teaches us to use our imaginations and sit with our own thoughts. To find purpose and peace in time spent by ourselves. To respect others’ schedules and think of others’ needs.
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Instead of waiting to be told what to do next or given what you ask for, I hope you chase butterflies and catch bugs. I hope you make up stories and inventions. I want you to see life from another’s eyes or find joy in the quiet sounds of nature on a walk or a run.
Whatever the reason may be for the boredom, it’s unavoidable, and might I say, necessary.
It’s my job to love you. To care for you. To teach you. And letting you be a little bit bored? Well, that’s actually part of it.
Even though you don’t understand now, someday you might even thank me for the conversations we gained, the creative stories and pretend play you engaged in, and the thoughtfulness of others you gained from being just a little bit . . . BORED.