I have three boys. My older two (ages 8 and 10) have almost zero interest in sports. They play baseball in the Spring which the oldest enjoys and the second tolerates, and they are currently taking Karate which they both seem to enjoy. My problem is not that they don't like sports. They come by it honestly as neither me or their father were involved much in team sports. But they also are not couch potatoes. They like their video games, TV and computer but do not spend hours on any of them at any time. What they like most is being outside playing with their friends. However, they are at a point now where their friends are very involved in different organized sports such as basketball, hockey, soccer, etc. which take place 3-4 times a week and that leaves my boys without playmates. I have encouraged them to make other friends but they have not made much effort. I guess my question is: does anyone know of other after-school activites that are not sports oriented? Their Karate class only meets once a week in the evening and we are contemplating making them do something else just so they will have something to do. But we don't want them to resent us and have it be a battle everytime we have to go. I would love to hear from others, possibly with older children, who have been through this. Thank you so much.
Have you thought about swimming? I know most schools that have pools offer lessons, and also have open swim.
Good luck
I think sports are very important but you could also think about music lessons or scouts or something like that. Lack of confidence is the reason a lot of kids shy away from sports but that never changes if they don't get in there and do it. I'd see if you can get them to agree to a trial sports season and work with them or get someone else to to give them a shot at getting better, and see how it goes. Soccer is excellent because they get a lot of exercise in a short time. A parent getting involved with the team or running in a short race together or something like that can make a big difference.
My son is also never enjoyed sports. After many discussions I learned he really didn't like TEAM sports. He just didn't want the pressure of letting the group down. Maybe if you talk to them them will tell you what it is they do not like and you can go from there. There are many sports other than what the Public Schools offer. My son has been enjoying archery for 6 years now and did a year of competitive swim(this was not a swim team, it counts as individual scoring). There are many other type of sports like fencing, bowling(my nephew has earned many scholarships with this!) golfing, skate boarding, skiing, karate etc. Good Luck!
What about music or art lessons? What about a family night at the bounce house or roller skating or ice-skating?
You might consider piano lessons.. traditionally lessons have been boring and not for boys, but I teach an Australian method that incorporates blues, classical and all styles of music. My piano studio is close to 1/2 boys/ girls and it would round out their education as well as build confidence. I'm in Rochester Hills which may be a bit of a drive for you although sports and things are usually a bit of a drive a couple days a week..
However there is a teacher in Romeo.. you can look up more info on the Simply Music website
www.simplymusic.com or my website is www.loziermusic.com
For piano there is a daily practice as well so something else to help them learn discipline and committment as well as keep them busy.
What about bowling My kids love to bowl You will have to sign up now most leagues have already started or are starting soon
My kids were not very sports driven either (two girls and a boy); however, we fell into competitive swimming after they did a course of Red Cross swim lessons and had mastered those skills. We did the swim lessons for safety reasons so they would know how to swim. The coach suggested a swim team in the area since they knew how to swim and enjoyed it. The swim team became our social life as the kids one by one got more involved. Our son, the youngest, began swim team at six years old after sitting in the bleachers bored out of his mind watching his sisters swim. I think you can go to US Swimming website or YMCA Swim Teams for more info. In many ways, it doesn't feel "sports like" because the competitions are individual (except for relay teams). My kids enjoyed improving their times and the physical conditioning and discipline were awesome. It ended up making them assets for the high school swim teams too. Hope that helps.
There are other types of activities that kids are involved with. Do they like music? They might like the Detroit School of Rock and Pop in Royal Oak (www.detroitschoolofrockandpop.com). I teach kids' acting classes at The Actor's Workshop -- also in Royal Oak -- and we have a class for youngsters 6 - 12 years of age (www.theactorsworkshopdetroit.com). Your local library, YMCA or community center may have other options for recreational activities other than sports that may engage your sons' interest.
Good luck!
