“Why is my kid bored… even with an iPad, a smart TV, and a room that is filled to the brim with toys?”
Raise your hand if that thought has ever crossed your mind too, my fellow mummies!
These days, children seem to have everything: screens in every room, apps for every subject, and toys we only dreamed of.
And yet, they’re still restless; still easily frustrated.
Still asking, “What can I do now, mummy?”
Or at least, mine do.
It’s enough to make me pause and wonder: Were we actually better off when things were simpler?
Childhood Then Vs Now
Back when millennial parents like myself were kids, life felt a little slower – but somehow more exciting.
Cartoons only aired at specific times, and if you missed your favourite show, that was it.
No replays and no skipping intros.
Definitely no “Next Episode” button.
We sat through the ads and waited patiently for the weekend lineup, and strangely, that waiting made it feel special.
School holidays weren’t filled with back-to-back classes or curated schedules.
We didn’t have Instagram-worthy snack boxes or educational apps lined up.
Most of us just played. Got bored. Made up our own fun.
Our biggest “gadgets” were the family TV and maybe a shared game console, if we were lucky – and that was more than enough.
These days, our kids have everything on demand.
Entertainment is a tap away – shows, games, even music.
They’ve got learning apps, YouTube toy reviews, and a whole digital universe at their fingertips.
And yet, I can’t help but wonder: Did having less make us appreciate more?
So, What Are Our Kids Missing?
Here’s what I’ve noticed:
- Unstructured Time Is Valuable: Every hour doesn’t need to be “productive.” Kids need time to wander, wonder, and be bored sometimes – that’s how imagination grows.
- Connection Beats Perfection: They don’t need a perfect art project. They just want you beside them while they scribble on the floor.
- Not Every Problem Needs a Screen: Sometimes, a walk, a cuddle, or a silly dance in the living room is more powerful than another episode of Cocomelon.
But I’m not saying throw away your gadgets or raise your kids like it’s 1994.
Instead, here’s what I do to find a balance:
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A no-screen half-day each weekend.
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A “slow morning” with no plans or rushing.
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Letting your child be bored – and resisting the urge to “fix” it.
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Cooking together, even if it takes longer and makes a mess.
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Going to the playground just to play, not to take photos.
Sometimes, the magic isn’t in adding more; it’s in taking a few things away.
What This Really Comes Down To
A simpler childhood isn’t about going backwards.
It’s about slowing down, tuning in, and remembering that kids don’t need constant entertainment – they need space to grow.
And they need us to be present, not perfect.
So, here’s your permission to skip that enrichment class and delay that tuition signup.
Let the day run a little slower.
From a millennial mummy to another – good luck, and take it easy!
Note: The images used in this article are AI-generated and are not based on any specific individual.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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