"I'm Bored"   
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

This phrase seems like it has been around since the beginning of time.  Just as old is the response -  "If you are bored, I'll give you something to do."  Most of us heard this as a child from our own parents.  It still works.  Unfortunately, our kids are often over-scheduled and over-structured.  If we are not hearing this phrase, maybe our children do not have enough down-time. 

Studies show that the more free-time children have, the more connections they have in their brain.  Free-time develops healthy brains.  What happens in free-time?  Children have lots of decisions to make.  What can I do?  Who do I play with?  If you hear "I'm bored," great!  They have time to choose their activity and grow their brain! You will often see children’s natural talents and skills come out during free time. They choose what they find fun and what naturally intrigues them! Watch and learn about your child. 

Resist telling your child how to play. Before long, they will be pros at finding creative ways to fill their down-time.