With the summer holidays upon us, many parents begin to feel the pressure to plan every moment of their child’s time - day trips, clubs, camps and endless costly activities. While these experiences can be enriching, there's something just as valuable that often gets overlooked: boredom.
Yes, boredom.
In today’s switched-on world, boredom has become a dirty word. But for young children, especially unstructured time is essential. It’s in these quiet, unplanned moments that imagination has room to breathe. When kids aren't being entertained or directed, they begin to think for themselves, create their own fun, and develop the skills that come with being independent and resourceful. In Jenny Many Strikes Gold, Jenny and her friends are often left to their own devices, devising games and activities to keep themselves amused and entertained.
A bored child might build a fort out of sofa cushions, create an imaginary world, write and illustrate a comic, or simply daydream in the garden. These aren't time-fillers - they're powerful opportunities for growth. Creativity, problem-solving, and self-motivation are all sparked when a child is left to figure out how to entertain themselves.
Research also shows that downtime is important for mental wellbeing. Children, just like adults, need moments of rest from the constant input of school, screens, and structured activities. Boredom encourages reflection, emotional processing, and a chance to unwind.
That’s not to say you should leave them entirely to their own devices for six weeks. Providing open-ended materials like books, craft supplies, or even a cardboard box can invite creativity without dictating the outcome. And yes, some days will still feel long, and you might hear inevitable and frequent cries of ‘I’m boooored!’ But instead of rushing to remedy this, try responding with curiosity. Ask your child ‘What will you do about that?’
At Jenny Many, we believe in the power of stories and imagination, and that often starts when the mind is free to wander. This summer, try leaving a little space in the schedule. You might just be surprised by what your child comes up with when no one tells them what to do.
As Jenny and her friends know, the best adventures begin with a touch of boredom.