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On that note one of the side benefits not having ready access to technology and facilities are that the kids are for the first time getting bored. I know that this seems like a strange benefit. Some time ago, my husband told me:
Every child should have the right to be bored.
At the time, I thought that was a strange thing to say until now where I can really see the benefits of it all. Where we used to live, the kids had an endless supply of "stuff" to keep them occupied. They had parks, playgrounds, Questacon, digital TV (so children shows are shown round the clock), the Internet etc etc. What I have realised is that my kids have come to rely on being occupied by someone or something else. Until now, they have had no chance to find their entertainments and fun *truly* on their own. Now, they are placed in a position where they have to come up with their own amusements. Not just deciding what to do (eg. watch TV or go to the playground), but actually carrying out their own amusements.
I have to admit there are times when it gets a bit stressful. They whine about being bored and I'd have to put up with it. But then after awhile the kids start making up their own games. They discover that they can create their own world without needing playground equipment, or going to special places (because they're too far away). Not having such easy access to friends and other people has also made them (and us) work a little harder with getting on with each other a bit better.
Having the opportunity to become bored definitely has its privileges...
4 comments:
Oh I love when boredom hits. We then see the kids create the most amazing games, or craft or project.
Sometimes I will see a well needed rest take place:)
I think of you and your move. Hope to see photos soon,
Jennifer
doublenickelfarm.blogspot.com
What an interesting comment from your hubbie! I'd not thought of it like that, but it's true that when the kids find inspiration on their own - building a cubby out of old boxes, pretending to be Hominids, making a grass nest from our unmowed lawn - that it creates a special kind of energy... riding out the whinging and bickering can take some doing, but I guess that's about developing relationships too (for all of us, lol).
I have to say too that since banning TV from our house we've definitely seen the boredom emerge, but we've also seen some amazing little games so I think its great for the kiddies too!
Can't wait to see some pics of your house!
Totally notice the lack of "entertainment" seems to switch the kids into creative mode. I find once activites come to an end at school holidays that the kids have a day or two to get used to "just being" and it's amazing to see the transition they go through and the fun they have. It takes a few days for my son to stop asking what we're doing that day and just enjoy being around home.
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