".... the muscles and joints of the" gymnast, "the vocal organs of the singer, the finger-ends of the watchmaker, the palate of the tea taster, grow to the uses they are steadily put to; and, much more, both in the case of the brain and all other organs, grow to the uses they are earliest put to." Charlotte Mason: Parents and Children. p. 90.
BEING BORED IS NOT UNCOMMON
Many people of all ages, personalities, cultures, intelligence and philosophies, see life as dreary. Actually everyone suffers with this attitude in some measure at some time.The regular routines and predictability of life seems to trigger this condition of heaviness, dullness and lack-lustre mindset.
IS THERE A CURE TO BOREDOM?
Charlotte Mason says there is. "It rests with parents to see that the dreariness of a motiveless life does not settle...on any...of their children." p.81. She then gives a method ~
1. Parents have the responsibility to do something about the situation to bring change to the child.
2. Find the abilities, talents or gifts natural to the child. For example -
they may be a great listener
have a sense of humour
be a quick worker
a fantastic cook
musical
good at games
an organiser
have a warm personality
a fine sportsperson
clever with crafts
artistic
make people feel comfortable...
3. Show the child how to cultivate one of their skills so it is of use to others not only for themselves. For example -
a musician can regularly play to bring enjoyment to others
a child who is good with games can set up a weekly game with an elderly relative or lonely neighbour
a child leader or organiser can get involved in a community child program or buddy coach in a sport....
4. A feeling of well-being, satisfaction from being helpful and contributing to others, is a rich benefit when we choose to live to be of use. "... the child into whose notion of life that idea is fitted will not grow up to find time heavy on his hands." p. 81.
WHAT ABOUT RELAPSES?
As with all habits, a child needs to practice being of use to others, seeing their abilities as things to benefit others, for a time period. The longer that period the firmer the new habit will be in place, as the quote at the start of this post truthfully states. Charlotte Mason cites 20 or more practice times or a month of purposeful working to establish the new habit without allowing any regression to the old.
If there is a return to feeling bored, the established practice of being of use to others, blocks and makes it hard for the child to return to their old habits. However if the child struggles at this point, they will only need a little parent's assistance to once again stop focusing on self and instead be of use to others.
THE INTERACTION BETWEEN THE THOUGHTS OF THE MIND AND THE CONFIGURATION OF THE BRAIN
"The fair conclusion appears to be that each is greatly the cause of the other; that the character of the persistent thoughts actually shapes the cerebrum, while on the configuration of this organ depends in turn the manner of thoughts we think." p. 88.
THISWEEKWITHTHEKIDS ~ take up this great encouragement to step in and help your child to move out of boredom and other motiveless life habits.
Cathy
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