Anonymous wrote:Over the years we signed her up for team sports, dance, running, karate, and the gym. She hasn't enjoyed any of it. Quits after a season. She will participate in 5ks (walking), but doesn't really enjoy them. She has low self esteem and shares that she hates her body and feels ugly.
How do you get a child to exercise? We want to instill lifelong healthy lifestyle habits and we are failing. We are otherwise a healthy family and model non competitive exercise - we do it for health. She gravitates to playing guitar, drawing, YouTube/some social media.
Any suggestions?
My DH has major problems sticking to any exercise program. The only thing that helped was a personal trainer- can you do that? Once your DD starts getting into shape it might help her self-esteem, mood, etc. and keep her motivated to continue on her own. Right now, it's chicken/egg- she has low self esteem because she doesn't feel strong, in shape, attractive-- which further decreases motivation. A personal trainer might hold her accountable long enough for her find intrinsic motivation