The boy I babysit is is 9 years old. He's OBESSED with video games, superheroes, and cartoons. I would really like him to go outside and swim, ride his bike and just do other stuff besides sit around all day. I even went to A.C. Moore and got a lot of cool crafts for him to do but he says hes too tired and he goes in his room shuts the door and watches cartoons. When I watched him last year, he wasnt like that. He also says that he doesnt want to go outside because its humid and hes afraid that its going to thunderstorm! I've tried to convince him that he will be fine, but its not working! Please help me! Thank you!
2007-06-25 05:15:52 · 12 answers · asked by hello 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
i would never leave him outside alone...i always play with him
hes pretty old enough to tell if im lying about the tv isnt working
we live in the middle of know where surrounded by cornfields...the nearest park is 10 minutes away driving...and we wouldnt be allowed to walk there...theres not even side walks
just to clear some things up :)
2007-06-25 05:50:05 · update #1
Maybe incorporate the cartoons into his playing outside.
If he says it's too humid, suggest to play out in the sprinkler.
Ask HIM what he wants to do, but don't give him 'watching TV' as an option.
Even tell him that his mom(or dad, or whoever) says that he has to go outside for awhile. (Parents can be more intimidating than the babysitter).
BUT, DO make it fun for him, too! Offer ideas and suggestions, and give him the final choice.
If he still locks himself up in his room watching cartoons all day, you may want to talk to his mother or father(or whoever) and see if they have any ideas.
Good Luck! :)
2007-06-25 05:21:48 · answer #1 · answered by helper234 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give him some structure. He's nine so I assume he's been to school so he's used to a routine. Let him know that from 9-10 (or whatever) he can play video games or watch TV and that from 10 to 12 (or whatever) we play outside or do crafts then there's lunch, etc, etc, etc,.... If you actually write it down and put it on the fridge or something it's like it's THE RULES and he may go along with it easier.
Best of luck
2007-06-25 07:08:59 · answer #2 · answered by Lori A 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Boys can be like that. I find it good to set the timer on the stove when my son plays video games and he knows that when the timer buzzes he is through playing video games. Another suggestion would be to go outside and play or ride bikes with him. It doesn't usually work to try to send him out by himself. Boys are not always as interested in crafts as girls are, but you are right to try and get him to do things besides watch TV and play video games. If he likes superheros, you might try coming up a game to play you can make capes out of towels or blankets. My son loved to do that sort of thing when he was that age.
2007-06-25 05:24:34 · answer #3 · answered by kat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
be the adult... turn off the video games and the tv and tell him he may only watch/play games for one hour... the rest of the time he must be outside playing...take him for a walk to someplace cool... take him to a park go outside with him and play catch...or turn on the hose and have water fights.... or get water balloons...
you will be doing him a favor
2007-06-25 05:20:44 · answer #4 · answered by Kimberlie H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you need to talk with his parents about his fear of thunderstorms and your thoughts that he needs more exercise and less tv!! See what they have to say. Maybe try taking him instead of expecting him to go by himself. Are there not any other children to play with? Having some to play with may help.
2007-06-25 05:29:16 · answer #5 · answered by elaeblue 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you could bring your bike and your swim suit and go with him. Is there a park nearby? Do they have a basketball hoop. I think the unplug idea might work till he figures it out. Good luck to you!
2007-06-25 05:22:42 · answer #6 · answered by Ophelia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You first need to talk to the parents and tell them that you would like him not to play video games while you are watching him. Tell them that you would like to take him outdoors. You need to communicate with the parents and let them know your concerns. Hopefully talking to them will help. If not, you could opt to stop watching him.
2007-06-25 05:20:13 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Talk with his parents and tell them your concerns before you do anything. When you have thier permission incorporate a day for swimming and let him take a friend.
2007-06-25 05:24:56 · answer #8 · answered by mimegamy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be really cheerful and "Come on, Buddy. We're going outside" and start tossing a ball with him or something like that.
2007-06-25 05:22:02 · answer #9 · answered by Sabrina 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unplug the TV and say it broke.
Works for my little brother all the time.
2007-06-25 05:19:34 · answer #10 · answered by somebody 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋