First grader losing interest in physical activity
Hello, I would love some advice on how to boost confidence and love of physical activity in my first grader. He used to be a really physically active kid, loved playing with balls as a toddler. PE was his favorite class in kinder. We put him in soccer, and he really loved the game at first. This year, I have seen him become more and more disengaged with playing and being outside, and I’m not sure if he is feeling too much pressure (we are recreational in soccer). Also, I have been trying to teach him how to ride a bike, and he is extremely fearful. The only thing he wants to do these days is play computer games on his learning app on his school account. We try to get him out more, but he just doesn’t enjoy. We set hard limits on screen time (one hour total during weekdays, 2 hours on weekends). Seems like the only thing he enjoys are the computer games. I would really like some advice from other parents on how they (re)kindled the love for physical activity in their children. Thanks!
Parent Replies
This is not typical of a 5 year old. I would be sure to discuss with his doctor. Also honestly a 5 year old having that level of time on games seems really high to me. That was what we did in middle school in tens of screen time. That may be some of what’s affecting his energy level. I would try to engage him in activities with his friends or have him join some non team activities such as swimming, scouts, D and D club, etc.
My daughter was not into physical activity throughout her entire childhood, We tried ballet, karate, gymnastics, nothing stuck. She hated any thing that smacked of competition and therefore all physical activity was out, apparently. Now she lives in Yosemite and skis every single day that she can. Usually four days a week. She loves it and was surprised to learn that it is considered exercise. First, I would encourage you not to push your son into anything you might call physical exercise. Also, you might do whatever it is with him. So take him for short hikes with a stop for hot chocolate afterwards. Go back to the stuff he enjoyed as a small child. Playing catch. Frisbee is a great one really easy and also fun. Plus you can bring one anywhere. Good luck, don’t stress, and keep limiting the screen time.
OP here, just an update as this is a fluid situation... we don't allow computer games during the week now. But he is allowed about 30 minutes of digital learning time on his app using my computer on weekdays. On weekends, he is allowed to play 1 hour of computer games and also have a movie. I also talked to the pediatrician, who recommended creating a family media plan from the AAP. He also has a small digital camera that has simple games and video playback (a gift from a family friend, something we wished hadn't happened lol), but these we don't count towards the screentime. Maybe we should? But he only plays them for 5 minutes or takes pictures of his pizza, then gets bored. I would love to hear how other families have balanced the introduction to digital learning and entertainment in the elementary ages. Thanks!
Keep trying different activities! My 2nd grader sounds similar, and we've tried several classes, teams and activities with varying degrees of enjoyment but mostly middling-- soccer (meh), basketball (YES, but only after the second try when she developed solid camaraderie with teammates), dance, martial arts (No), swimming, biking, skateboarding camp (No), rollerblading, biking. She's expressed being open to tennis so we'll try to sign up for that next. I don't frame physical activity as a "nice to have", we frame it as something that you just DO multiple times a week-- for health and fun-- but as basic, like washing your hair or helping around the house.
On weekends, we go out as a family to be active together -- we try to give choices (Would you rather bike, scoot or rollerblade?). We've gotten both adult scooters and rollerblades since having kids so we can keep up. Some evenings if we have 20 minutes before bedtime, we'll do a dance party and I'll let her choose the music. We often have to listen to a LOT OF complaining before activities, but during/after she sometimes enjoys or at least goes along with minimum whining. "Love" is great, but I'll take "Is OK with" or "Doesn't hate" as long as she's forming healthy habits.
For screentime, we basically limit it to right before dinnertime so that the transition is easier and so that we're generally getting out in the morning or early afternoon. For the weekdays, screentime ends up being 0-30 minutes; weekends it depends on how quickly they get their other stuff done (homework, laundry folding, picking up toys) but is realistically max 1.5 hours. BTW, we count our digital camera, school laptop time and Khan Academy for Kids as screentime. It just gets too complicated trying to dissect it all otherwise. They all have the same addictive quality.