Let Them Be Bored 🌀 Why Doing Nothing Is Everything
In a world buzzing with programs, apps, and curated activities, boredom often gets a bad rap. But here at Mugwort Sudbury School and Urban Green Harvest, we see it differently. We see boredom not as a void, but as fertile ground — the still moment before imagination bursts into bloom.
Summer, with its long days and slower rhythms, gives us the perfect chance to return to something ancient and often overlooked: the power of doing nothing.
Not everything a child needs to learn can be scheduled. Not every breakthrough comes from a workbook or workshop. Sometimes, the most transformative moments come from staring at clouds, digging in the dirt, or declaring “I’m bored” and then — eventually — finding something marvelous on the other side of that discomfort.
When children have the time and space to be bored, something incredible happens. They begin to create. They problem-solve. They explore who they are outside of direction or instruction. They build forts, invent games, write songs, hatch plans. Boredom, it turns out, is a launchpad for independence.
At Mugwort, we believe boredom is sacred. It’s part of our philosophy of child-led learning and deep respect for self-initiation. In our outdoor, unstructured setting, kids are given the trust and time to decide what’s meaningful to them. We don't rush in to fix boredom — because we know it's not a problem. It's potential.
So this summer, we invite you to let your kids be bored. Really bored. Resist the urge to fill every moment. Watch what happens when you don’t solve the puzzle for them. Give them dirt, sticks, time, space — and your faith.
Because the magic doesn't come from more entertainment. It comes from within.
For Further Inspiration
Here are a few books and articles to dive deeper into the beauty of boredom, unstructured play, and natural childhood development:
📘 How to Raise a Wild Child by Scott D. Sampson
A must-read for nature-loving parents and educators. This book explores how unstructured time in the natural world fosters resilience, creativity, and confidence.
📰 The Case for Boredom by Peter Gray, Psychology Today
A powerful article on how boredom is not something to avoid, but a doorway to deep creativity and self-discovery — especially for children.
📘 Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne
Though not solely focused on boredom, this book makes a strong case for reducing clutter — including overscheduling — to help children thrive emotionally and mentally.
