Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just because he’s not good at sports doesn’t mean he can’t participate.

I used to think this way. You have no idea the long lasting trauma that a group of athletic 7 year olds can inflict on an uncoordinated boy.

Truth

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just because he’s not good at sports doesn’t mean he can’t participate.

I used to think this way. You have no idea the long lasting trauma that a group of athletic 7 year olds can inflict on an uncoordinated boy.

^^adding, individual sports that use the whole body, don't involve a ball, also help build strength and coordination are the best options. Swimming, martial arts, and later cross country, fencing, etc.

Anonymous wrote:Just because he’s not good at sports doesn’t mean he can’t participate.

I used to think this way. You have no idea the long lasting trauma that a group of athletic 7 year olds can inflict on an uncoordinated boy.

Anonymous wrote:So what? He doesn’t have to play any organized sport, now or ever. For now, he can just play outside, with toys, color, whatever. He needs to know how to swim, though.

No he don’t

Anonymous wrote:He has tried basically every sport and is terrible. Not interested in music or arts. He won't practice anything and I do not know what to do.

lol

My boys couldn't get out of their own way at that age. They both wound up with more varsity letters than virtually all of their classmates. At a school known for sports.

Don't worry and don't force it. Not every kid is an athlete. Many are not and there is nothing wrong with them. But if you find something that seems like a fit, you do have to work at it.

So what? He doesn’t have to play any organized sport, now or ever. For now, he can just play outside, with toys, color, whatever. He needs to know how to swim, though.

Anonymous wrote:He has tried basically every sport and is terrible. Not interested in music or arts. He won't practice anything and I do not know what to do.

Keep trying. Are you watching to be sure there are no physical issues? My 5 year old was slightly hesitant to run around like other kids and play soccer. I always felt like he was a little clumsy but drs brushed it off.
Finally I insisted on a PT eval and he did have some issues that have really improved with physical therapy. It can be a good way to give kids confidence.

Also - I have another child who is a serious athlete and super coordinated. He wouldn't play soccer, basketball or football. It was an issue of him not wanting to take the ball from other kids and not wanting any collisions while going for the ball.
Turns out he's an excellent swimmer, tennis player and runner. People (and gym teachers) are shocked he can be so good at some sports and so bad at others.
We tried golf, tennis, basketball, baseball, cross country/track, golf, football and flag football, volleyball, gymnastics, ice skating/ice hockey and swimming. I'm probably forgetting something in there. Point is you may have to try them ALL. Age 6 is a little young to have tried it all. I'd keep going. Try preteam at your local pool or some general gymnastics or rock climbing classes.

I have no athletic ability and my parents tried a lot. I like to think I have other talents and I was a very good student and went to a highly competitive university. Sports aren't everything.

OP - I hear you. I'm wondering if the concern is less the sport and more so a lack of interest in an organized/group activity? That was our kid. Our kid showed a strong interest in music, but forget organized activities. No interest in sports of any type. No ability to focus. Nothing. We were worried as it was atypical. I kept being told our child was just who he was and to keep exposing him to activities and he would find his way.

Fast forward to 8 years later:
- he plays an instrument well and enjoys the school band
- he plays two sports; he isn't particularly good at either, but he loves them both (and I love his confidence)
- he IS a standup comic (I laughed at the second post)
- he writes screenplays for fun
- he is an active member of the debate team
- he is involved with school activities (band, sports, debate)
- he has a TON of friends and people always comment on his confidence.

Compare with other child:
- hyper-focused on two sports
- has no involvement in school activities
- has friends, but no social life due to said sports
- has a very narrow focus

They are very different and both very happy, but my hyperfocused kid has given up so much.

My advice: keep exposing him to ANYTHING and EVERYTHING. For physical activity, we made sure to walk/hike/bike every weekend. When our DS was in 4th grade, he still really had no interests. We required him to pick two activities that he would stick with for an entire semester. One was an obscure sport (think pole vaulting - I won't say what it is or it will give my kid away) - which he still does to this day and I can't remember the other activity.

One thing to watch: you need to see WHY he isn't interested. Is he lethargic? Does he run away from activities? Is it noise? Other? He truly might not have found his calling, which is very normal. In our kid's case, there were signs that made me worry beyond the "no interest in sports" and it turns out that our son has a very rare medical issue that clearly contributed to some issues early on. But we had other signs beyond limited interest.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He’s 6, you dolt. I started soccer when I just turned 7 and I was by far the worst one on the team. Ended up playing division 1 (not that that’s the goal). Worry about what he ENJOYS.

b.s. I don't believe you.

That's very easy to believe. Seven year old is far away from college. For that matter my son was worst on the team at age 9, and will likely be playing for a high school team. It's a good high school, so division one is a possibility though not really looking at that.

Oh man. He's six. Chill out! My same-aged kid has really enjoyed a theater class. Has been great for his confidence.

Anonymous wrote:Genetics

+1. And/or broken home.

Anonymous wrote:He has tried basically every sport and is terrible. Not interested in music or arts. He won't practice anything and I do not know what to do.

Let me guess, addicted to video games and youtube?

Anonymous wrote:He’s 6, you dolt. I started soccer when I just turned 7 and I was by far the worst one on the team. Ended up playing division 1 (not that that’s the goal). Worry about what he ENJOYS.

b.s. I don't believe you.

I'm the PP who suggested rock climbing. The gyms have great teams for younger kids, it is a fun lifetime sport, the environment is super supportive, it teaches grit and perseverance just like other sports, but can be easier for kids who don't have great hand eye coordination. There are routes at all levels so it's fun and challenging no matter how good or bad you are. If you belay your kid, it's a nice opportunity to do something together. If your kid hasn't tried it, check it out!