I've suggested he join a gym, rock climbing, train for a marathon, hiking, camping. None of this stuff seems to out weigh video games. He's 17 and just wants to play video games or go to amusement parks. Amusement parks are a plus actually. At least he's out doors getting fresh air. What other things could I suggest? I was never like this as a child. You couldn't keep me indoors so I'm having trouble relating.
2007-11-24 12:22:39 · 7 answers · asked by sweet 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
I welcome all ideas except hunting. I don't like the idea of him playing around with guns.
2007-11-24 12:24:26 · update #1
He does have a job motroo thank goodness. He's a very well behaved 17 year old. He just can't stop those games.
2007-11-24 12:36:16 · update #2
It's hardly impossible to find a way to get kids to stop playing....I know I was kind of one of this kid back then..
Anyway, I guess all I can say is whatever he is playing, he might be interesting to do in real life.
Playing football > Should be interested to play football
Playing war games > Could possibly be interested in "Laser Tags" or "Paintball activities"
One other thing that works on some people (it actually worked for me)
Take a camcorder and tape him for a day. Then, maybe he'll realize that he could have done much more than just be starring at a screen all day. It's hard to think that even if you are playing interesting games, you are still standing, passively, in front of a screen.
I guess if you are going to go with this option it's important to have long discussion while watching what he's been doing afterward.
Good luck with your kid
2007-11-24 12:35:56 · answer #1 · answered by DRC Frank 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mine is very much into video and comptuter games but we got him involved in showing cattle and going to 4-h meetings... he is also a member of our private herd association and they have different actiities throughout the year in different locations.... he has gotten a new since of responsibility, and I have seen a change in his drive to do things other than gaming... he is 14, he loves it, and he really likes being able to meet different kids from all over our state.. Our 3 and 5 yr old are now involved in the pee-wee division and have their own calfs that the work with now .. it can be time consuming at times but the really seem to enjoy it the ask to go to the farm and spend the days they are out of school... of course we d do other things as well
Best Wishes
2007-11-25 12:01:59 · answer #2 · answered by Terri B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your son is 17...nearly an adult. Let him spend his free time the way he chooses to. So long as he's keeping up with his school work, is keeping a job successfully, and going out with his friends once in a while, what is the harm in him being a couch potato on his down time? It seems to me this is less about getting him exposed to things, and more about him doing the things YOU like to do. Maybe instead of trying to relate to him on YOUR level, you try to relate to him on HIS.
2007-11-25 01:50:07 · answer #3 · answered by missbeans 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
say no more video games on school nights. including sunday. you could make him help cook, read books that are chapter books,Art,and maybe start a club. If he does video games on school nights grouned for the weekend or take money away
2007-11-24 20:42:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really depends what he's interested in.
Well, look at what the video games he plays do.
Like a snowboarding game, suggest snowboarding. Um... a war game, suggest like paintball or something.
2007-11-24 20:25:52 · answer #5 · answered by Ella (& her dogs) 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
maybe... get rid of the games... its hard tho when he's already 17... hard to convince a 17yr old... if you got him a wii instead of the system he has at least he'll get some excercise lol
2007-11-24 20:27:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
make him get a JOB!!
2007-11-24 20:31:59 · answer #7 · answered by motroo 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋