200. What if boredom is the emotional reset your child actually needs?

Is boredom a problem—or a powerful emotional signal?  In this episode of #Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline challenges the modern urge to “fix” boredom and shares why it’s actually essential for emotion regulation, creativity, and executive function.  Learn how boredom acts as a reset for the brain, encourages self-reflection, and builds resilience in kids and adults alike.  Discover why sitting in stillness matters more than ever—and how doing nothing may be exactly what growing minds need. Homework Ideas  Schedule daily "do-nothing" breaks: 3–5 minutes of intentional stillness—no phones, music, or multitasking. Just breathe, notice, and pause. Model boredom tolerance: Say “I’m bored too—let’s sit with it together” (even if you aren’t). Normalize the emotion without rushing to fix it. Who knows what spark might happen! Reframe the language: Instead of “I’m bored,” try “I’m resetting” or “I’m giving my brain a break.” Teach this shift to your kids. Observe your own reaction to kids’ boredom: Are you rushing to solve it? Sit with that discomfort too. Create a boredom menu: Use the resource below as a proactive list of creative activities kids can reference before they feel bored. Designed to spark curiosity after rest—not replace it. Resource:119 ideas: https://korulearninginstitute.kit.com/119activities Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh Follow Dr. Caroline YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/ LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/ X: https://x.com/drcarolinebuz Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/ Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/#resources Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/ Want to learn more about helping kids strengthen their emotion regulation skills and problem-solving brains while boosting their confidence, independence, and resilience? Check out my many training opportunities! https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/upcoming-events/