logo
episode-header-image
May 26
56m 54s

Why Kids Need Boredom Now More Than Ever

Nurtured First
About this episode

Jess and Scott dive into the often-misunderstood topic of boredom and its crucial role in child development. They explore why parents fear their children being bored, how screens have become the default solution to downtime, and the surprising developmental benefits that emerge when children learn to navigate unstructured time. You’ll learn practical strategies for teaching children to transform boredom into creativity, including Jess' approach of "getting the good going" and mindfulness techniques for all ages. 


Whether you're a parent concerned about excessive screen time or an adult who's forgotten how to simply be present, this conversation offers valuable insights into reclaiming the lost art of boredom in our overstimulated world.


Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN.


We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email: podcast@robotunicorn.net. 


Credits:

Editing by The Pod Cabin 

Artwork by Wallflower Studio 

Production by Nurtured First 


Learn more about The Anger Course here!

Up next
Aug 18
“But My Friend’s Parents Let Them…Why Can’t I?”
What do you do when your child hits you with the classic line, "But my friend's parents let them!"? This episode tackles the universal parenting challenge of setting and upholding family rules. You'll walk away with practical strategies to communicate your rules effectively, offe ... Show More
50m 50s
Aug 11
Biblical Discipline, Deconstruction, And Belonging with Kate Bowler
Jess sits down with Kate Bowler, historian, pastor, and New York Times bestselling author, to explore parenting, faith, and religious deconstruction. They unpack the history of harsh discipline like sparing the rod, question the idea of biblical discipline, and wrestle with wheth ... Show More
1h 9m
Aug 4
Should We Force Kids To Say Sorry And Forgive Each Other?
Are you tired of forcing your kids to say 'I'm sorry,' only to see them repeat the same behaviour an hour later? In this episode, Jess and Scott dissect the common parenting trap of forced apologies and, more surprisingly, forced forgiveness. They explore why simply demanding the ... Show More
34m 39s
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2024
2431: How To Get Your Kids to Talk to You AND Help Your Child Develop Good Homework Habits by Julie Morgenstern
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.Episode 2431:Julie Morgenstern's insights offer practical strategies to foster meaningful communication with children and guide them ... Show More
13m 8s
Oct 2024
How to Respond When Your Kids Say "I'm Bored"
"Mommy, I'm bored." How many times have you heard this? In this episode I share why kids say "I'm bored" and how to reframe it's meaning. I emphasize the importance to create a love of learning when we recognize the reason behind kids saying "I'm bored." We need to recognize if t ... Show More
12m 31s
Apr 2025
How to Become More Confident in Your Parenting
#051 Lisa discusses how to build confidence in parenting by addressing bad behaviour and promoting respect all while emphasising the importance of making children feel good about themselves to improve behaviour and achieve positive outcomes.  She tackles various common parenting ... Show More
37m 32s
Aug 5
Why Imaginative Play Matters (and Why It’s Okay if It Feels Hard)
In this episode of Good Inside with Dr. Becky, we dive into the magic of imaginative play - why it’s so important for kids, and why it can feel surprisingly challenging for parents to join in.Dr. Becky explores how pretend play nurtures curiosity, problem-solving, and emotional g ... Show More
25m 39s
Aug 2024
Case Study: How Confronting Your Childhood Trauma Can Improve Your Parenting Skills
What if the hardest moments in parenting are actually the best opportunities for connection? Can the struggles we face with our kids actually help us heal our own past? Today, I'm joined by the wonderful Cammie, who shares her heartfelt journey into connected parenting. We de ... Show More
21m 31s
Oct 2024
Breaking Screen Addiction: A Teen’s Perspective on Setting Boundaries (#212)
In this episode, host Melanie Hempe is joined by her son, Andrew, who shares his personal insights on screen habits and addiction. Together, they dispel the myth that setting boundaries around screen time leads to rebellion. Instead, Andrew explains how boundaries are an act of l ... Show More
38m 25s
Sep 2024
Why Don’t My Kids Listen?
Ever feel like every request turns into a battle with your kids? You ask them to put their shoes on, help with chores, or even just sit down for dinner, and instead of cooperation, you get resistance or silence. It’s frustrating, right? But here’s the big question: What if their ... Show More
11m 56s
Sep 2024
2321: Is Allowing Your Child to Study While on Facebook Morally Irresponsible? by Cal Newport on Parenting & Homework
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.Episode 2321:Allowing children to study while distracted by platforms like Facebook may have more damaging consequences than parents ... Show More
13m 8s
Feb 2025
The #1 Easiest Hack To Stop Losing It On Your Kids
In this episode of "Toddlers Made Easy," we're diving into the EASY method—a transformative technique to help you navigate toddler tantrums with grace and effectiveness. Inspired by my own experiences as a pediatrician and a mom, EASY is all about creating a calm and connected ap ... Show More
13m 46s