Mom explained why it is important to give kids time do 'nothing' and be by themselves

It's no secret that most of us are obsessed with being productive or trying to be productive. Only a few of us wouldn't have watched or saved something on social media about "10 ways to increase productivity." So if a person wants to be productive all the time, it is likely that they would want their kid to do the same. However, a mom on TikTok believes that it is necessary to give kids time to do "nothing." Amber, who goes by @ciaoamberc on TikTok, shared why she gives her kids time to be by themselves.

"We are stressing our kids out," the video's text overlay read. The mom began, "For a society that is so concerned about mental health, we just want everybody to have a therapist, especially even little kids. Or put them on medication, I can’t believe we don’t prioritize just having kids do nothing." She added, "Giving kids space to just do nothing, without being told what to do, without being in school, without learning something, without being in an activity, without having a coach, without rushing around." Amber pointed out, "I mean, adults don’t even like the level of busy we are, adults can’t even handle it, but we think kids can."

The mom recalled talking to a friend whose kids go to a traditional school. She asked what her kids' homeschool days looked like. "In the morning we usually work on something, reading, etc. Then I'll go into my bedroom and do a little workout and the kids can do whatever they want," Amber explained. The friend thought it was okay because that time was the equivalent of a recess. "I am like no, that's by design. I want my kids to have hours in the day where they can do whatever they want to be creative to come up with things." She wants her kids to have that time to be kids. The mom turned the camera to show people a system that her kids are building on their own and she doesn't know anything about it.

"If I was busy telling them what to do or trying to teach them something, or whatever, they wouldn't be doing it," the woman remarked. "We have been hardwired as parents to think we constantly need to be entertaining or doing an activity with our kid. All of us need to have space to breathe, especially little kids, they're supposed to run around and play. So we’re so concerned about mental health but we’re stressing the kids out!" Amber expressed. The video received over 23k views and more than 3k likes. People took to the comments section of the video to support the idea.

@averageatalot commented, "This. We don’t do after-school activities or sports. They need space to exist." @jaclyn.najjar wrote, "I vividly remember not wanting to do too many after-school things because I just needed a break from DOING all day. We ALL need mental rest." @mamahouli remarked, "I agree with this!!! My kids are still young but I can’t see myself doing the crazy sports schedule. It’s too much, in my opinion." @its.that.girl.steph shared, "Yes! It’s ok for kids to simply do nothing. I see it as problem-solving on their own. If they are bored, my child figures out what they want to do to entertain themselves."

You can follow Amber (@ciaoamberc) on TikTok for more lifestyle content.