A state of weariness with, and disinterest in, life.

Everyone, at one time or another, feels bored. Children, however, may report boredom more frequently because they have not yet learned to alleviate it for themselves. The following essay describes children's sense of boredom at the major developmental stages.

Infants and Toddlers

Infants and toddlers rarely experience boredom. Infants spend large blocks of time asleep and much of their waking time feeding. Toddlers have a nearly unlimited curiosity to explore a world that is still new to them. Infants and toddlers, furthermore, have not yet developed the cognitive ability to understand the concept of "having nothing to do."

Preschool and School-Aged Children

Preschool and school-aged children are fickle in their attentions. The child may be engrossed in an activity one minute and, seconds later, lose interest and complain of boredom. This common complaint of preschool and school-aged children can...