Lee and I have both noticed a pattern.
Our middle child has been going from one destructive activity to the next. No sooner will you tell her to stop one action, she’ll pick up something else equally problematic.
Last night she put her napkin in the cup of water and then squeezed it on the floor, pulled the dogs ears, tore up a stray paper into tiny bits all over the floor, pulled out nearly every toy she owns, all in an astounding 45 seconds flat. She’s been acting this way several times in a day. Nevertheless, getting into trouble isn’t the problem. I believe the biggest problem is boredom.
A lot of spiritual problems come with being bored— when I’m busy and active, I don’t have time to worry, be depressed, or even be angry. There’s a reason God tells us to fill our minds with good things, and to work hard and be diligent. Now I need to do some brainstorming for my little girl, and I want to remember that my desire is to approach parenting from a biblical perspective. I’ll keep you posted.
i’ve heard a lot of opinions on this topic, mainly not to create a child that needs to be entertained all the time, or a child that depends on you for play. I don’t know how to feel about this exactly. I try to have toys and books available for Sloane all day, outdoor activities, etc., but with a baby, I cannot be playing with her all the time (what she likes best). I have noted that she has really learned to play by herself. And sometimes I let it be okay if she is bored, because I consider that her attention span is only so short. I think it might be a little unhealthy if I try to keep up with an attention span the size of a paper clip. ; )
But I totally understand this post!