My son is 11 and a little overweight for his age. Now that the weather is warming a little I would like to get the whole family more active doing outside activities. Here's the problem. My son doesn't know or want to learn how to ride a bike, he can't skate, and he hates sports so things like baseball or basketball is out of the question. He can't catch or throw a frisbee so that gets boring after a short while. In fact, he is not athletically inclined at all. And that is fine, I encourage him in other interests such as playing drums in his school band. But what are some outside activities we can do that aren't athletic but will still get us outside doing stuff. I thought of a "scavenger hunt" but that seems kind of babyish for an 11 yr. old. He does like swimming so we plan on doing that this summer but it's not warm enough yet to swim outside.
2007-03-12 12:52:23 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
Orienteering (hiking, scavenging, reward at the end) all rolled into one.
Is it a possibility for you to maybe buy him a dog? Birthday coming up? That way he can be totally responsible and have to walk his dog daily.
Perhaps some kind of martial art... karate, judo, or whatever.
Seeing as he is not athletically inclined, maybe crafty kinds of things that include movement without thinking of them as exercise.
Photography - go for a hike and take pictures of interesting things.
Go camping during school holidays.
Does he like shopping - go window shopping for an hour or so, take him grocery shopping and he can push the trolley for you.
Does he enjoy construction - he could be outside building himself a stage or you a new letterbox (completely supervised of course)
Does he enjoy nature? You said he enjoys swimming, maybe take him somewhere canoeing.
I wish you the best of Luck - hope some of my ideas come in handy
2007-03-12 13:10:01 · answer #1 · answered by smile_girl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Walking is a very good form of exercise. Why not take nightly walks? Find some good trails in your area and go for leisurely evening walks. If you are up for it, try hiking. Hiking is good for people of all athletic abilities. Start on some easy trails and work your way up from there. The important thing is to get him moving every day for at least an hour.
Since he is not so much into sports, you may try teaching him better food choices. Not a diet, just better choices in what he consumes daily. Good luck!
2007-03-12 20:02:00 · answer #2 · answered by Momma 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A scavenger hunt is an awesome way to get him running! We work with kids his age at church, and every time we have a scavenger hunt, they are so excited that they are literally running! He'll love it, I promise. There is nothing babylike about it. Have him follow the clues, or even picture clues.
You could take him swimming, too. Swimming seems more like play than exercise, and it's very athletic.
2007-03-12 19:56:37 · answer #3 · answered by mama 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try a dirt bike or a quad runner
If you are looking for something a little less expensive, try fishing or an overnight camping trip even if you just sit infront of a camp fire and talk. There are plenty of ways to get outside and get your kids active without them even knowing it. At 13 my son still giggles and tries to get away from me when I chase him and try to kick his butt.JOKINGLY of course. Or set up a day where the two of you can go visit a local tourist attraction or trails for hiking. I will try to think of some more ideas for you....let me know if you need any
2007-03-12 20:08:48 · answer #4 · answered by Lexi Y 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take your son camping it works wonders, my 11 year old son was also slightly heavier than most boys his age we took up camping we go camping about twice a month the whole family enjoys it, we take hikes and it is fun for the whole family.
Best of all no TVs around no game boys nothing
2007-03-13 00:48:50 · answer #5 · answered by Marla D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First thing is first seriously ( TAKE AWAY THE VIDEO GAMES) he'll hate it but let him get mad at you it will save his life, second cut out all breads if your going to have bread used toast it thats why it gets crispy the sugars burn, and lets see go for walks with him everyday even if its a little one around the block, see how much closer it will have you tow become..PS I took my sons vidoe games away ( I pawned them so I can get them back) but he thinks they are gone, that way they are NOT in the house and if he improves then we will get them back but by then he may be unintrested Good luck luv
2007-03-12 19:58:02 · answer #6 · answered by Gina 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try going to the zoo and other outings like that. It gets everyone out and walking around. Look for points of interest around your area. You'd be surprised at all the stuff to do in your neighborhood.
2007-03-12 19:57:56 · answer #7 · answered by ANGIE L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
TAke him out camping, or go walking out int eh country, and take lots of water, or if he likes go fishing, go to a museum or go to where they have tours and have you walk around like in festivals. ALso not take him to a Dude Ranch and the whoel family can have fun and they have all kinds of activities there.
2007-03-12 20:01:59 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
why not try fishing.............it gets additive and gets him outside..he doesn't have to compete with others and can spend time by himself without getting called names or picked on and if he joins a club he will make new friends...not everyone likes the sports/activities that you are talking about, i hated them as a child and i hate them as an adult..........
fishing also lets him study nature, the enviroment and it is piss easy to do and doesn't have to be expensive to start with, if he gets into it them it will cost the earth...but for starters on a warm sunny day try it...you never know!!!
2007-03-12 19:59:11 · answer #9 · answered by renegadechickenhead 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have him join a swim team, one that goes year round w/ an indoor pool. I am a competitive swimmer, and I hope your son enjoys swimmming as well.
2007-03-12 19:58:42 · answer #10 · answered by Miss Sto Helit 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋