Before iPads We Had Imaginations: Celebree School Launches "Boredom Is Where Imagination Begins"

• Top early childhood education brand turns screen-free play, storytelling, and imagination into a nationwide movement for families
• 75% of parents believe boredom helps children become more creative
• 67% of parents believe screens make it harder for children to use their imagination

BALTIMORE, Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Remember putting on living room plays for your parents? Building blanket forts out of couch cushions? Riding bikes with neighborhood friends until the streetlights came on? A new study reveals nearly 9 in 10 parents wish their kids had more of the childhood they remember and Celebree School wants to help families bring a little of that childhood magic back.

This September, in celebration of National Literacy Month, Celebree School is launching "Boredom Is Where Imagination Begins," a nationwide campaign encouraging families to embrace storytelling, early literacy, creativity, and screen-free play – while rethinking the role boredom can have in a child's development.

At a time when many parents are navigating screen fatigue and overscheduled routines, the campaign aims to spark a larger conversation around imagination, independent play, and the simple moments that often become childhood's most lasting memories.

"At Celebree, we believe childhood should be filled with curiosity, creativity, and connection," said Kristen Miller, Vice President of Education at Celebree School. "Some of the most meaningful learning moments happen when children are given the space to imagine, create, tell stories, and entertain themselves. Boredom isn't a bad thing – it's often the beginning of something brilliant."

Inspired by the analog childhoods many millennial parents grew up loving, the campaign celebrates the simple, imaginative moments that once defined growing up. At its core, the campaign reinforces Celebree School's belief that literacy is joyful, play has purpose, and imagination matters.

As part of the initiative, Celebree Schools nationwide will host a series of literacy-focused family experiences and activations include in-school bulletin boards capturing screen-free family activities, "Fill the Shelf" school book drives, and in-school story time readings with special guests.

Families nationwide are encouraged to join in on the fun and download a free Childhood Unplugged Family Activity Kit that includes:

• 'Unplugged Childhood' Pledge: Start your family's screen-free play journey with a pledge to read, build, pretend, explore, and make time for imagination.
• 30 Days of Childhood Unplugged Calendar: Try one simple screen-free family activity each day to spark creativity, literacy, storytelling, and playful connection.
• DIY Boredom Basket: Create a simple screen-free play basket that helps kids build, sort, imagine, problem-solve, and play independently at home.
• "I'm Bored" Survival Guide: Turn boredom into imaginative play with simple screen-free prompts that help kids invent, build, draw, move, and tell stories.
• Storytelling Starter Guide: Help your child build early literacy and imagination by creating their own story with characters, settings, and drawings.

Throughout the campaign, Celebree child development expert, Kristen Miller, will be available for interviews and media opportunities surrounding topics including:

• The connection between boredom and creativity
• How independent play supports literacy development
• Creating low-cost imagination spaces at home
• Practical ways parents can reduce screen dependency without guilt
• The growing return to "analog childhood" experiences

"There's a reason so many parents feel nostalgic for the childhoods they had growing up," added Miller. "Kids don't always need constant entertainment. Sometimes they just need time, space, and imagination. That's where storytelling begins, confidence grows, and creativity comes to life."

For more information on Celebree School, please visit https://www.celebree.com/

To find a school near you, please visit https://www.celebree.com/find-a-location/ 

About Celebree School
Founded in 1994, Celebree School is a leader in early childhood education, offering infant and toddler care, preschool, and summer camp programs. With a mission to Grow People Big and Small™, Celebree School believes success in early childhood development is equal parts curriculum and connection. Each school employs a customized program that addresses the physical, social, emotional, and academic needs of children and follows applicable state guidelines. In 2019, Celebree School launched its franchise offering. In 2024, Celebree School's founder, Richard Huffman, launched a new parent company called Huffman Family Brands, merging Celebree affiliated concepts under one multi-brand company structure. Learn more about how we grow confident children who are prepared for school and life at Celebree.com. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Celebree School