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Two Meanings of Boredom
(continued) The Trap in Defining Boredom in the Adult Sense of the Word for ADHD There is a trap in the use of the word bored by children, and many helpers have fallen into it. The traditional interpretation of boredom implies that there is something lacking and, thus, something must be added to fill the boredom. The belief is that as a result of this addition, the child will become intellectually engaged. This is a reflection of our “more is better” solution to problems. The temptation is to add a tutor, summer school, extracurricular studies, and the like. Inherently, there is nothing wrong with these strategies, if they are not pressing on bruises. However, with the child, there is a problem. If the so-called boredom is caused by the first presentation of these strategies, then re-confronting the child with more of the same is going to aggravate, not improve, the situation, no matter how much those skills being taught are needed. Only after the emotional reactions to these strategies are erased can many children benefit from such opportunities.
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