As a teen in the ’90s, I spent my summers in San Diego on the beach, going to swim practice and roaming my neighborhood with friends. Sometimes I was bored. It wasn’t a problem — it was just part of life.

Despite periods of boredom, my friends and I always figured out what to do. We listened to music, read books, organized our rooms and hung out in the backyard. My parents weren’t worried about filling every minute of my time with activities.

Now as a parent to my 8- and 13-year-old daughters and taking care of children in my pediatric practice at Kaiser Permanente Daly City, I spend ample time discussing boredom and its immeasurable benefits. Parents (and my own kids) are often surprised to hear that boredom can be healthy.

In addition to my general pediatric practice, I help lead our

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