"Allow her to be bored."

"I think the best thing we did for our children was to allow them to be bored. It gave them space to follow their unique interests and go deep on the topics that they were curious about." - Shared by a family member at a baby shower, paraphrased

Babies need a lot of time to allow their minds to take in normal stimuli that we take for granted. They don't need extra stimulation except for physical touch, comfort, and eye contact.

As often as possible, I lay my babies on the ground on a simple blanket and let them just look around. I reassure myself that it is good for them to be bored. Starting as newborns, I give them small opportunities to simply relax and look at the ceiling.

As toddlers, I intentionally don't sign them up for any structured activities. We go to 20-minute library programs and play groups occasionally when I want more structure and adult interaction in my life, but I think the best thing for little ones is to be home. I love it when they can play with their minimal selection of toys, look out the window, sing songs to themselves, or dig in the dirt.

What do you think? How would this advice be different for certain types of children such as children with developmental disabilities or children who are in daycare all day and have limited time with their parents?

My oldest is 6. He still has a lot of time to be bored every day, but he doesn't know the word "bored" exists. His mind is very active. He simply doesn't look to me to entertain him. He can take in the world through his senses and think about it when there isn't a demand on his mind elsewhere.