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How can we use moments of boredom to spark our child’s creativity instead of defaulting to YouTube or games? 

Parenting Perspective 

Boredom is not an emergency that needs to be fixed with a screen. Instead, it can be the quiet space where creativity and imagination begin to grow. The key is to help your child see it as an opportunity, not a problem. 

Click below to discover meaningful books that nurture strong values in your child and support you on your parenting journey

Normalise Boredom as a Starting Point 

Start by framing boredom as a normal and even useful feeling. You could say, ‘That feeling of boredom is just your brain telling you it is ready to create something new.’ By removing the idea that boredom needs an instant fix, you open the door for creative thinking

Keep a ‘Boredom Box’ Ready 

Prepare a box or a dedicated shelf stocked with simple, open-ended materials like art supplies, building blocks, or craft kits. When your child says they are bored, you can guide them towards these tools instead of a device. The creative possibilities are often more engaging than a preset game. 

Use Prompts That Spark Imagination 

Instead of giving them a full activity, offer a simple starting point. You could ask, ‘Can you invent a story about a penguin who lives in the desert?’ or ‘Can you build a tower that is strong enough to hold this apple?’ These imaginative prompts turn boredom into a playful challenge

Allow Space and Time for Flow 

Resist the urge to fill every quiet moment for them. Sometimes, a few minutes of stillness is the necessary bridge to deeper, more imaginative play. If you give them space without checking in too soon, you may be surprised to see them inventing their own worlds. 

By treating boredom as fertile ground instead of an emergency, you teach your child to rely on their imagination rather than on constant external entertainment. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, quiet and unstructured moments are not seen as wasted time, but as valuable opportunities for reflection, gratitude, and meaningful action. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ valued purposeful time and encouraged believers to use their God-given abilities for good. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Inshirah (94), Verses 7–8: 

Thus, when you have finished (from ritual prayer) then (further) intensify (your supplication). And (We know that) to your Lord is your yearning. 

This reminds us that moments of free time, after our obligations are met, should be directed toward beneficial and uplifting pursuits. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 2373, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Richness is not in an abundance of wealth; rather, true richness is the richness of the soul.’ 

This teaches us that true fulfilment comes from our inner resources, such as contentment, creativity, and the meaningful use of our time, not from an endless supply of external stimulation. 

By encouraging your child to meet boredom with their own imagination, you are giving them a lifelong skill that nurtures their independence, creativity, and gratitude for the blessing of a thoughtful mind. 

Click below to discover meaningful books that nurture strong values in your child and support you on your parenting journey

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