It's Unfair To Be Bored

While ironing clothes for church the five-year-old came up to me complaining that it's so unfair that a sibling has more books (of a particular series) than him.  There are two phrases in our home that we don't tolerate- "I'm bored" and "It's Not Fair!"

I proceeded to lecture the child about the reality that fairness isn't a virtue.  I pointed out to him the many unfair things and unfair situations in life including those of a domestic nature.  I clean, they mess up, that's not fair. I have to admit my lectures are often long-winded when it comes to these things.  By the time my sermon was done the child was looking chastised and contrite. Before you think that was the end of it I started my lecture on why "I'm bored" is also unacceptable. The preface is always the same "God gave you a brain so you won't get bored".  Then I proceed to marvel them with stories of my childhood chasing butterflies, fireflies and dragonflies, playing out in the summer rain or playing patintero in the moonlight (sometimes 'til past midnight!) 

We cut out screen time mid-Summer for the sake of (my) sanity. The arguments over whose turn it was to watch their show or play on the wii got old quickly.  Banished to their own thoughts in a roomful of books and toys was heaven for everyone concerned (except for when the clutter has to be picked up, whole 'nother blog entry).  They were not allowed to say "I'm bored" or "this is boring".  Even in the heat of the summer I pushed them outside either to play in the sprinkler, to sit on the porch reading or to dig out rolly pollies (and earth worms, ick!)  It's amazing what kids can do in the absence of the monitor glare.  It's amazing to hear the things and ideas they think about when they are not too caught up in computer game strategies.

Technology has a place in a child's life.  I don't intend for my children to be Luddites or technology-illiterate.  But I also think that virtue has a place in technology which requires our guidance as parents. 

At the heart of boredom and seeing life as unfair is the absence of gratitude.  Planting seeds of gratitude in the heart of a child is a very important task.  Gratitude helps one to be joyful, compassionate, self-less, merciful and loving.  To require these things from our children is only fair.

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