What are we supposed to do about non-athletic child?

[Anonymous]

You don't need to have sports to have him exposed to the "team element" of life--there are plenty of other opportunities, such as orchestra, drama, singing, whatever etc.

However, you NEED to instill physical activity in his regular routine. It can be jogging, hiking, recreationally swimming, horsing around outdoors. You just don't want to bring up a couch potato.

My kid is exactly like yours (and I'm a very competitive parent in terms of athletics), and it doesn't help that his younger sibling is much more athletic. I enrolled the older one into an MMA/BJJ gym, got lucky because I found the right coach/mentor/teacher in life, and it has done wonders to his confidence. He is by far not the best in the gym, but the coach has taught him so many life lessons about failure, trying hard, and getting back up. I would def recommend you to check out some of these BJJ places because unlike karate, you'll need to get up and personal w/ a sparring partner to build that confidence.

[Anonymous]

Rejoice and embrace

[Anonymous]

Find something else. Swim, dance, tennis, equestrian. Anything that doesn’t involve a team.

[Anonymous]

There are lots of ways to be active without being on a sports team.

[Anonymous]

I’m sorry this coaches are jerks. Is not sign him up. He should enjoy physical activity. There are so many non-team sports. He is almost at the age where he can start trying them.

Whitewater Kayaking (classes on the potomac)
Rowing (my non athletic teen who hates sports has been doing this and it is going well)
Hiking
Mountain biking (there classes in the area)
Weight training (our rec center has classes)
Track and field
Cross country ( can start in middle school)
Wrestling
Skiing

[Anonymous]

Non team sports or swim team. Another possibility is something less competitive like whatever the equivalent of Girls on the Run for boys.

[Anonymous]

My non-athletic kid did tennis and swim at that age. In high school he joined the cross-country team and it turns out he’s a decent runner. Not the tops, but middle-of-the-pack and he enjoys it and likes the other kids.

[Anonymous]

My 6th grade son who is terrible at every sport and has no interest in the sports his friends play has THRIVED on his no-cut middle school cross country team. He loves being a part of a team, loves the social aspect and gets great exercise. I wish it were year-round.

[Anonymous]

My 3rd grader is not athletic. He learns to swim after I spent thousands of dollars over a few years. Now, we are working on swimming styles. He is the worst in team sports, and so far parent coaches have been nice to him. We have tried some individual sports, but he hates karate, cannot do rock climbing, no energy for track, and scared of getting injuries from ninja. Well, he does swim now, self paced. He may give up soccer or basketball one day, but so far so good that he is not good but he is trying his best. He is also smart in math.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Keep trying non team sports especially the ones where it’s ok to start older. Try tennis lessons, fencing, golf etc

Just because they aren’t team sports doesn’t mean they are easier. If he’s not athletic then let the sports go. They are not necessary.

Physical activity actually is necessary for optimal health. Kids that spend time doing athletics of some sort will feel better and will do better in everything else in their daily lives, including school. As adults, they will be more likely to continue physical activity and be strong and healthy into old age.

“A sound mind in a sound body” is a traditional proverb for good reason.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Keep trying non team sports especially the ones where it’s ok to start older. Try tennis lessons, fencing, golf etc

Just because they aren’t team sports doesn’t mean they are easier. If he’s not athletic then let the sports go. They are not necessary.

Physical activity actually is necessary for optimal health. Kids that spend time doing athletics of some sort will feel better and will do better in everything else in their daily lives, including school. As adults, they will be more likely to continue physical activity and be strong and healthy into old age.

“A sound mind in a sound body” is a traditional proverb for good reason.

People here overuse the word “sports”. It’s not the only way and it’s not even the best way to be active.

Baseball doesn’t offer much aerobics. Volleyball doesn’t either. Bike riding on your own offers a whole lot more.

[Anonymous]

Help this kid shine. What IS he good at? It isn't sports. Maybe he's good at cooking, or gardening, or painting or drums or whatever. And that's okay. Don't be the parent who makes the one person (cough, kid) in the family who is different feel like their differences are a bad thing to be corrected. Help this kid hone his own skills and interests. That's the fun in parenting. Not making your square peg kid try to fit into a round hole.

[Anonymous]

My friend's nonathletic kid picked up sailing, and it helped him get into a great college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Non team sports or swim team. Another possibility is something less competitive like whatever the equivalent of Girls on the Run for boys.

They don’t have programs like girls on the run for boys. Boys don’t have needs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Non team sports or swim team. Another possibility is something less competitive like whatever the equivalent of Girls on the Run for boys.

They don’t have programs like girls on the run for boys. Boys don’t have needs.

Whos "they"? Our ES has a run club for boys. But similar to Girls on the Run it requires parent volunteers. Step up.