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IGNITE the Boredom Challenge. Part Two

GOTRKC

IGNITE the Boredom Challenge. Part Two

By Shayla A

We are navigating the boredom that visits our practices. Let’s call it a “temporary participant.” Boredom is similar to any other feeling or state of being- it is temporary. But, what do we do with this temporary participant at our practice? We want to keep things positive and fun, so how do we do that with Boredom participating? In this Part Two episode of IGNITE, we will discuss why Boredom shows up and how we can respond to it with our positive and empowering coaching energy.

Think for a moment about the last time you were bored. I find as an adult, I don’t have moments of boredom. I feel life gets boring- the same thing day after day or there are no mental or physical challenges happening to stimulate my brain enough. But we hear from children, “I’m bored,” in moments during certain activities or in some specific environments. Here is a list of WHY children get bored and HOW we can respond:

One of the reasons a child becomes bored is because they lack the vocabulary to explain the underlying feeling they are experiencing. They may be feeling frustrated and the environment is not meeting a deeper need they need met, like motivation or a sense of purpose. Ask them to identify another feeling they may be feeling with the boredom. Are they feeling sad, lonely, content, unmotivated, tired, etc. Think of other feelings you might feel when you are bored. Meet your girl where they are at in their feelings and use it as a moment of understanding and connection.
Another common reason children become bored is because they are disinterested in the activity. Tik Tok, Instagram, and all of social media has created a difficult standard for us to live up to as adults who work with children. But, research shows screen time actually reduces a person’s ability to understand social cues and minimizes the quality of face-to-face interactions. So, when a girl says “This is boring!” ask them, “How can we make it more interesting and fun? How can we pump up the volume in this place? Let’s get silly with it- do your next lap moving like your favorite animal.” Stimulate their brain with a fun moment. Use the boredom to get creative!
The next two reasons mesh well together: they are not fully present or engaged in the activity and the teaching method does not match the learning style. The GOTR curriculum is written to meet most learning styles throughout the practice. It has discussion, journal writing and drawing, partnering and soloing, and physical movement. Each girl’s learning style is met in the routine of the practice. This type of boredom is very short-lived because of the natural flow of the practice. You will get to the journals in 10 minutes. You will be partnering up in the next activity. The team will be running laps the last 30 minutes of practice. Stay confident you are meeting their learning needs and styles. Maybe they need to stand, spin, or doodle during discussion. Maybe they need to run a lap, walk a lap, or hop a lap. Maybe they need to talk while they run. Maybe they need a partner alongside them all of practice. Remember, if their brain is not engaged, it will create or do something to engage it. Give the girls the confidence they can meet their own boredom needs within the boundaries of the practice and curriculum.

Whichever the reason for Boredom to visit a practice, it is our awesome coaching that empowers Boredom to move on to other spaces. Boredom is not to be taken personally. We are not the boredom in someone else’s story. We are the guide empowering their boredom to more creative thoughts, more comfortable spaces, and more motivating feelings. You have the navigation tools to make Boredom’s visit at your practice short and sweet. Continue to be the powerhouse coach you are designed to be as you use boredom to build connections and keep the momentum going! You got this!

Shayla A is the Coach Mentor for Girls on the Run Greater Kansas City. Her background comes from the classroom, coaching, day treatment schools, wellness, and advocating for children with special needs. She enjoys empowering and advocating for girls and coaches

in every challenge and celebration. Connect with her for support and assistance this season via call, text, or email. shaylaaranda@gmail.com | 816-284-9770

RESOURCE LIST TO IGNITE YOUR NAVIGATION OF BOREDOM: