Does he distinguish between team sports and more individual sports like track or swimming? - Tinfoil 2.0

He was doing track this spring, and he has been doing it since he was six. He doesn't like it. I had to force him to go to the practices in the end. He loves swimming, and I asked if he wanted to join the swim team, and he said no. - Shevonne

Could you encourage him to swim without being on a team? Or bike or skate? My partner is not keen on team activity, but he when he has the time he likes to do solo stuff (when I'm playing soccer). - kendrak

I think it's fine if he's not into sports (either team or individual). Some kids just aren't. It sounds like he's into art and has interests other than sports. As long as he is active, I wouldn't worry about it. - Rochelle

I had a really hard time finding something that would work for my middle son. The only thing he's really into, physical activity wise, is dance. So I encourage him to dance his ass off. - Kelli H. from Android

Thanks Rochelle. His dad keeps telling that he MUST do a sport, and some of the parents at their school keeps saying the same thing. I think I'm going to listen to my kid and do what is right for him. - Shevonne

@Kelli :) - Shevonne

I don't like the idea of forcing a kid to do any kind of extracurricular activity, sports or otherwise. :/ - Rochelle

I know what you mean. I don't want to force him either, but I don't want him thinking that playing video games all day is ok either. I looked and there seems to be video game design classes for kids around here, so might talk to him about it to see if he's cool with that. - Shevonne

As far as he is active, it is good enough. I was like your son when I was young. - Mahdi E

Thanks Mahdi :) - Shevonne

It sounds like he likes being active but doesn't like the organization that comes with "organized sports". (Practices, schedules, etc.) I hate spouting off about what I would do in other parents' situations, but if I were you I would tell him that being active outside of school is fine too, as long as he's active. For instance, in high school I used to ride my bike a lot. A LOT. I did the Saturday morning rides with the local bike shop, etc. but never got into any school-related sports and never did very well at the soccer league I was a member of. Looking back, staying active outside of any organization has been very valuable to my health and outlook. - Brian Johns

In other words, if he just wants to go out for a run by himself sometime or go for a swim, that's cool. Tell him to never stop doing that! - Brian Johns

David's not very into sports either. He enjoys PE at school and we make sure he walks instead of getting bus where possible. He's happy to come to park and have a kick about tho, so we're not too worried. We are very cruel tho and do limit his computer time... to ensure that he does not vegetate ;-) - Heleninstitches

Thanks Brian and Helen! This is why I love this group. Great advice. - Shevonne