How many activities do you have on weekends?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So many girl stereotypes on this thread!! I'm the extroverted wife whose husband never wants to do anything on the weekends. My girls play sports and music and love being active on the weekend, my husband just wants to laze around the house and do nothing.

Going out and doing stuff on the weekends is not a boy thing. Staying home and playing dolls/crafting is not a girl thing. Stop projecting all your own introvertedness on your girls!! What is wrong with you???

? The activities she listed the kids do are the activities her kids enjoy. They happen to be girls. The dad isn’t into it. He happens to be a man. You’re projecting your family dynamic here.

[Anonymous]

The dad wishes he had boys that’s all

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would try a family ski vacation. A place with a kids club will do all the work of ski lessons for you, and it might be a way for the girls to see that kids can have fun outdoors even in the cold. If you go to a place like Lake Placid, you could enjoy ice skating, bobsledding, skiing, outdoor winter hot tubs in a beautiful setting. Just a thought! You will be making lasting family memories while perhaps changing their perspective.

Not everyone likes snow

These kids are only 4 and 7. They think they don’t like the cold, but there are a lot of fun activities out there (not all of them playing in the snow as I mentioned) that might change their mind.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DH and I had a big argument because he feels like we spend way too much time at home on weekends and should be out more being active. We have 2 girls, ages 4 and 7, and they are not very sporty, so they prefer to stay home and do art projects, play dolls, bake, etc. On weekends they would probably never leave the house if we didn’t force them to.

We are definitely outdoors much more in the spring/summer/fall, going to the playground every weekend, swimming, bike riding, scootering, etc. The kids don’t like being outside in the cold and complain after 30 seconds and don’t stop.

Currently the girls both do a gymnastics class on Saturdays and go to Sunday school on Sunday mornings, so we are really just talking about afternoons.

What do other people’s weekend schedules look like with their kids. Do you force them outside when they just want to stay in and play ?

I don’t understand the problem with this. If the girls are content, it’s fine. So many people here need to run run run. The girls will get busier as they why older. I also hate the cold and am much more active when it’s warmer.

I agree with you and I also think the girls are both very young.

What I disagree with is the idea that the girls are “not very sporty.” They are 4 and 7! How can you make a blanket assumption like this at these young ages? And especially if they are enjoying gymnastics?

I think in another year I would have the older daughter try a standard organized sport like softball or soccer and see how it goes, but I think gymnastics is also a great way to work the body and work in a team like any other sport as well.

I don’t think she made a blanket assumption about anything. Her daughters like what they like. They don’t currently have interest in a team sport. They enjoy baking. Plenty of people do not enjoy team sports or any sports at all. Sports families for whatever reason tend to have a hard time understanding this. Her kids get physical activity and outdoor activity. They just didn’t want to play rec basketball or go on a cold hike. That is fine! The issue is the dad is antsy at home. It’s hard to tell from the post what he’d rather be doing. Can’t tell if he wants to at a museum, skiing or just with other people in a social way.

Saying a four year old isn’t “sporty” or doesn’t have an interest in a team sport is a blanket assumption. She’s only four! And she likes gymnastics, which is a sport! Even seven is pretty young to make a declarative statement like that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DH and I had a big argument because he feels like we spend way too much time at home on weekends and should be out more being active. We have 2 girls, ages 4 and 7, and they are not very sporty, so they prefer to stay home and do art projects, play dolls, bake, etc. On weekends they would probably never leave the house if we didn’t force them to.

We are definitely outdoors much more in the spring/summer/fall, going to the playground every weekend, swimming, bike riding, scootering, etc. The kids don’t like being outside in the cold and complain after 30 seconds and don’t stop.

Currently the girls both do a gymnastics class on Saturdays and go to Sunday school on Sunday mornings, so we are really just talking about afternoons.

What do other people’s weekend schedules look like with their kids. Do you force them outside when they just want to stay in and play ?

If your husband wants to do things as a family like go on a hike, visit a museum or explore a new city, then he should be able to voice that. It can’t always be about what your girls want do to, even if they enjoy being at home. Families are about give and take. That doesn’t mean they need to enroll in more activities/classes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DH and I had a big argument because he feels like we spend way too much time at home on weekends and should be out more being active. We have 2 girls, ages 4 and 7, and they are not very sporty, so they prefer to stay home and do art projects, play dolls, bake, etc. On weekends they would probably never leave the house if we didn’t force them to.

We are definitely outdoors much more in the spring/summer/fall, going to the playground every weekend, swimming, bike riding, scootering, etc. The kids don’t like being outside in the cold and complain after 30 seconds and don’t stop.

Currently the girls both do a gymnastics class on Saturdays and go to Sunday school on Sunday mornings, so we are really just talking about afternoons.

What do other people’s weekend schedules look like with their kids. Do you force them outside when they just want to stay in and play ?

I don’t understand the problem with this. If the girls are content, it’s fine. So many people here need to run run run. The girls will get busier as they why older. I also hate the cold and am much more active when it’s warmer.

+1 being home with family is good for kids, and if this works for your kids I would not push it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DH and I had a big argument because he feels like we spend way too much time at home on weekends and should be out more being active. We have 2 girls, ages 4 and 7, and they are not very sporty, so they prefer to stay home and do art projects, play dolls, bake, etc. On weekends they would probably never leave the house if we didn’t force them to.

We are definitely outdoors much more in the spring/summer/fall, going to the playground every weekend, swimming, bike riding, scootering, etc. The kids don’t like being outside in the cold and complain after 30 seconds and don’t stop.

Currently the girls both do a gymnastics class on Saturdays and go to Sunday school on Sunday mornings, so we are really just talking about afternoons.

What do other people’s weekend schedules look like with their kids. Do you force them outside when they just want to stay in and play ?

I don’t understand the problem with this. If the girls are content, it’s fine. So many people here need to run run run. The girls will get busier as they why older. I also hate the cold and am much more active when it’s warmer.

I agree with you and I also think the girls are both very young.

What I disagree with is the idea that the girls are “not very sporty.” They are 4 and 7! How can you make a blanket assumption like this at these young ages? And especially if they are enjoying gymnastics?

I think in another year I would have the older daughter try a standard organized sport like softball or soccer and see how it goes, but I think gymnastics is also a great way to work the body and work in a team like any other sport as well.

I don’t think she made a blanket assumption about anything. Her daughters like what they like. They don’t currently have interest in a team sport. They enjoy baking. Plenty of people do not enjoy team sports or any sports at all. Sports families for whatever reason tend to have a hard time understanding this. Her kids get physical activity and outdoor activity. They just didn’t want to play rec basketball or go on a cold hike. That is fine! The issue is the dad is antsy at home. It’s hard to tell from the post what he’d rather be doing. Can’t tell if he wants to at a museum, skiing or just with other people in a social way.

Saying a four year old isn’t “sporty” or doesn’t have an interest in a team sport is a blanket assumption. She’s only four! And she likes gymnastics, which is a sport! Even seven is pretty young to make a declarative statement like that.

This has obviously hit a nerve. I think it was just a casual way that OP communicated that her kids have not asked to sign up for any organized sports outside of gymnastics for the time being. When my kids were 4, I could pretty much tell that they weren’t “artsy.” They never sought out crafts, they did not want to attend art class when offered, they said it was their least favorite time of day, if there was coloring avail at a party they’d scribble a bit then start launching the markers like rockets, etc. Kids like what they like. And that can change. Mine haven’t developed an interest in art, but one does like digital/graphic design, which wasn’t really age appropriate at age 4. She’s not writing anything off. She’s just giving background of what they DO enjoy. It’s possible for kids to dislike sports and that is completely ok!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DH and I had a big argument because he feels like we spend way too much time at home on weekends and should be out more being active. We have 2 girls, ages 4 and 7, and they are not very sporty, so they prefer to stay home and do art projects, play dolls, bake, etc. On weekends they would probably never leave the house if we didn’t force them to.

We are definitely outdoors much more in the spring/summer/fall, going to the playground every weekend, swimming, bike riding, scootering, etc. The kids don’t like being outside in the cold and complain after 30 seconds and don’t stop.

Currently the girls both do a gymnastics class on Saturdays and go to Sunday school on Sunday mornings, so we are really just talking about afternoons.

What do other people’s weekend schedules look like with their kids. Do you force them outside when they just want to stay in and play ?

I don’t understand the problem with this. If the girls are content, it’s fine. So many people here need to run run run. The girls will get busier as they why older. I also hate the cold and am much more active when it’s warmer.

I agree with you and I also think the girls are both very young.

What I disagree with is the idea that the girls are “not very sporty.” They are 4 and 7! How can you make a blanket assumption like this at these young ages? And especially if they are enjoying gymnastics?

I think in another year I would have the older daughter try a standard organized sport like softball or soccer and see how it goes, but I think gymnastics is also a great way to work the body and work in a team like any other sport as well.

I don’t think she made a blanket assumption about anything. Her daughters like what they like. They don’t currently have interest in a team sport. They enjoy baking. Plenty of people do not enjoy team sports or any sports at all. Sports families for whatever reason tend to have a hard time understanding this. Her kids get physical activity and outdoor activity. They just didn’t want to play rec basketball or go on a cold hike. That is fine! The issue is the dad is antsy at home. It’s hard to tell from the post what he’d rather be doing. Can’t tell if he wants to at a museum, skiing or just with other people in a social way.

Saying a four year old isn’t “sporty” or doesn’t have an interest in a team sport is a blanket assumption. She’s only four! And she likes gymnastics, which is a sport! Even seven is pretty young to make a declarative statement like that.

This has obviously hit a nerve. I think it was just a casual way that OP communicated that her kids have not asked to sign up for any organized sports outside of gymnastics for the time being. When my kids were 4, I could pretty much tell that they weren’t “artsy.” They never sought out crafts, they did not want to attend art class when offered, they said it was their least favorite time of day, if there was coloring avail at a party they’d scribble a bit then start launching the markers like rockets, etc. Kids like what they like. And that can change. Mine haven’t developed an interest in art, but one does like digital/graphic design, which wasn’t really age appropriate at age 4. She’s not writing anything off. She’s just giving background of what they DO enjoy. It’s possible for kids to dislike sports and that is completely ok!

Of course it is, but I am suspect of any parent that rules out an activity for children this young. My daughter hated piano when she was five, but I didn’t turn around and declare that she isn’t musical. She ended up loving the viola, and plays in her high school orchestra. She was perhaps too young when we started instrument lessons, or perhaps just wasn’t a fan of the piano, who knows? She was only five.

The issue is declaring things about your children when they are still young and exploring new interests. It’s not about sports specifically.

[Anonymous]

I have an only 10yo DD and I think we’re out a lot. We are outdoorsy though. We met friends for a hike this past Saturday when if never went above freezing. No complaints from any of the kids. I’d probably at least make yours go for a walk every day to get some fresh air and exercise. If they’re happy playing together though that’s great!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DH and I had a big argument because he feels like we spend way too much time at home on weekends and should be out more being active. We have 2 girls, ages 4 and 7, and they are not very sporty, so they prefer to stay home and do art projects, play dolls, bake, etc. On weekends they would probably never leave the house if we didn’t force them to.

We are definitely outdoors much more in the spring/summer/fall, going to the playground every weekend, swimming, bike riding, scootering, etc. The kids don’t like being outside in the cold and complain after 30 seconds and don’t stop.

Currently the girls both do a gymnastics class on Saturdays and go to Sunday school on Sunday mornings, so we are really just talking about afternoons.

What do other people’s weekend schedules look like with their kids. Do you force them outside when they just want to stay in and play ?

If your husband wants to do things as a family like go on a hike, visit a museum or explore a new city, then he should be able to voice that. It can’t always be about what your girls want do to, even if they enjoy being at home. Families are about give and take. That doesn’t mean they need to enroll in more activities/classes.

Yeah, it's not really clear from your post what your DH wants. Does he want your DDs enrolled in more organized activities/sports? Or, does he just want to get out and about more as a family -- get more fresh air, be more active? The latter seems like a very reasonable request. He's a member of the family too...try to plan like one outing, nature walk, some kind of physical activity you could do as a family (ice skating, bowling, etc). Dress appropriately. There should still be ample time for relaxing and playing at home.

[Anonymous]

OP, what does your DH suggest? There is a difference in being like "we need to do more on the weekends" and answering the question of, "Like what?" Does your DH say: let's do a hike, or I saw a museum exhibit I thought the girls would like. Or does he say: I don't know. If it's the latter, it's kind of BS to complain yet not offer any solutions. And there is plenty of space to compromise here: an activity every other weekend, or one afternoon each weekend, whatever.

To answer your question, from ages 4-7 our kid had swimming lessons during the weekend and that was it. We were all fine with it. Now that he is older his weekends get filled up more so I'm glad we had that time to chill when he was younger.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DH and I had a big argument because he feels like we spend way too much time at home on weekends and should be out more being active. We have 2 girls, ages 4 and 7, and they are not very sporty, so they prefer to stay home and do art projects, play dolls, bake, etc. On weekends they would probably never leave the house if we didn’t force them to.

We are definitely outdoors much more in the spring/summer/fall, going to the playground every weekend, swimming, bike riding, scootering, etc. The kids don’t like being outside in the cold and complain after 30 seconds and don’t stop.

Currently the girls both do a gymnastics class on Saturdays and go to Sunday school on Sunday mornings, so we are really just talking about afternoons.

What do other people’s weekend schedules look like with their kids. Do you force them outside when they just want to stay in and play ?

If your husband wants to do things as a family like go on a hike, visit a museum or explore a new city, then he should be able to voice that. It can’t always be about what your girls want do to, even if they enjoy being at home. Families are about give and take. That doesn’t mean they need to enroll in more activities/classes.

Yeah, it's not really clear from your post what your DH wants. Does he want your DDs enrolled in more organized activities/sports? Or, does he just want to get out and about more as a family -- get more fresh air, be more active? The latter seems like a very reasonable request. He's a member of the family too...try to plan like one outing, nature walk, some kind of physical activity you could do as a family (ice skating, bowling, etc). Dress appropriately. There should still be ample time for relaxing and playing at home.

I'm this PP...when I say, "try to plan", I mean allow him to plan, or work together to plan. I don't mean it should fall on you to plan!

[Anonymous]

Still haven’t heard whether Dad is willing to plan and execute these activities out of the house he claims to want?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So many girl stereotypes on this thread!! I'm the extroverted wife whose husband never wants to do anything on the weekends. My girls play sports and music and love being active on the weekend, my husband just wants to laze around the house and do nothing.

Going out and doing stuff on the weekends is not a boy thing. Staying home and playing dolls/crafting is not a girl thing. Stop projecting all your own introvertedness on your girls!! What is wrong with you???

? The activities she listed the kids do are the activities her kids enjoy. They happen to be girls. The dad isn’t into it. He happens to be a man. You’re projecting your family dynamic here.

We aren't! They like doing indoor things, I'll happily take them out to do sporty things too if they want to. They just happen to be girls. There are many girls who like to go outdoor things, calm down. Signed mom of 2 girls.

[Anonymous]

Zero weekend activities. 6 and 3. We go outside mornings in hot weather, and afternoons in cold weather. There are a handful of exceptions like this past Saturday, but not many. VA is so warm! Invest in lightweight, high-quality outerwear and they will be fine.

Whatever time we don’t spend outside we spend inside as a family, or with relatives or family friends, or the usual birthday parties. They are only little once and they will naturally get busier as they get older. So I plan to treasure as much unstructured weekend time I can.