AIBU to let my DS opt out of sport

104 replies

Sportsareanogo · 27/04/2026 20:40

DS7 flat out refuses to join any kind of organised sport. He likes riding his bike and also swimming during holiday/weekend trips to the pool. He also learns drums.

Friends are appalled that I don’t make him do a sport. Apparently he is missing out on vital skills and life lessons.

AiBu?

OP posts:

redskyAtNigh · 27/04/2026 20:43

Surely he does sport at school?

EarringsandLipstick · 27/04/2026 20:43

I wouldn’t say appalled but yes, team sports - of any kind - are a key life skill & at only 7 I would persevere with various options. That doesn’t mean forcing him or making him unhappy, just keeping the emphasis on it & setting an example yourself.

Doesn’t he have team sports in school in any case?

Hankunamatata · 27/04/2026 20:43

See if theres a local race bmx club/track.

https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/getintobmx

HeNeedsRehab · 27/04/2026 20:42

Mine is the same. I don’t see any issue with it, he’s active and not lazy.

I also don’t understand how I’m supposed to force him? He has plenty of interests, but sports isn’t one of them!

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