Unwilling to do outside activities?

[Lisa1970]

My 6 yr old is unwilling to do anything outside the home. He is very sweet and has no special needs. But everything I offer, he scoffs at. I have just signed him up for things before but then had a fight getting him to go. I would just let it go, but, at home, he walks around all the time saying he is bored, sooo boooorrrrrreeeeeeeddddddddddddd. He is driving us all nuts. He does not want to play in the backyard, he wants to play computer games or watch Avatar all day. Maybe if the computer games were educational, but he just wants Mario. I am not willing to allow that and I am tired of the sedentary lifestyle he is trying to lead.

There is a homeschool ice skating class here as well as a homeschool art class. There are other options, but those are the ones that seemed the best. I am looking in to see if there are any gymnastics classes. I already know there is nothing locally, but was going to check some places that are further away. Since my daughter is teaching him music, he does not need to go to music classes, but I could if there was something good that was not too costly. (by not too costly, I mean nothing over $100 a month for once a week, the only music places I know of locally charge more like $200 a month for once a week group classes).

My 8 yr old really needs outside classes too. He has autism spectrum disorder and melts down when he is not kept busy. But he is far more willing to do things when he knows what to expect.

Thanks!!

(oh, I AM working on an idea to have DS6 good friend do the ice skating with us or something so that DS will be willing to go)

[kathymuggle]

How about starting with something where you can stay with him, maybe even participate? I would start with local, free (or freeish) or one offs.

Example:
- go swimming, go to the park, go on a hike, go to festivals, etc.
-Most libraries have summer reading programs. They are free, but vary in quality. You could remain at the library even if you do not actively participate. some museums and nature centers have programs as well.
-Homeschool field trips almost always are family events.

As long as you are respectful of him and his needs (not signing him up for stuff he is clearly not ready or interested in, or making a homebody go out 7 days a week) I would ignore the scoffing. 6 years old do not get to decide if the family is going on a hike or to the museum.

[Lisa1970]

I never thought about family trips to things. Once it cools down around here and the public schoolers go back, we were going to start going to things. I did not want to be at museums and such when they are packed crowded with schoolers. We cannot really go to the park right now either as it is over 100 degrees.

[rockportmama]

Haven't BTDT, but I have been known to tell my 4.5yo he's responsible for his own fun! But then I do also try to get him some special alone time with me or Papa.

I'm mostly just subbing!

[Dakota's Mom]

I have an eight year old who is about the same way with the video games and Avatar and stuff like that. He will go to parks and museums and other places. But as soon as he is back home he wants to be on the computer, the DS, or the tv. Often he is doing the DS and tv at the same time. Have you tried educational games. My son has a Leapster which he loved until he mastered all the games he has. But there are a lot of free online games.

There is another site as well but I can't think of it right now. At least he is learning something while he is playing his video games.

Kathi

[Lisa1970]

Originally Posted by Dakota's Mom

I have an eight year old who is about the same way with the video games and Avatar and stuff like that. He will go to parks and museums and other places. But as soon as he is back home he wants to be on the computer, the DS, or the tv. Often he is doing the DS and tv at the same time. Have you tried educational games. My son has a Leapster which he loved until he mastered all the games he has. But there are a lot of free online games.

There is another site as well but I can't think of it right now. At least he is learning something while he is playing his video games.

Kathi

Thanks for the link! We will try it!