How much are your teens going out of the house?

[Hellvelyn]

I have ds in Y13 and dd in y11. They are engaging with their schoolwork, (albeit in a weird routine, apart from live lessons which they have to attend on time) Like all other teens their usual activities and sport have stopped. DH and I are keyworkers and out most days or occasionally wfh.
It worries me that they don't go out of the house for days on end. They will go for a short walk under duress at the weekend. Dd asks me why she would want to go for a walk in the cold and rain and I have no answer apart from wittering on about fitness and wellbeing.
What are your teens doing? Have they also reverted to a cave like existence? Ds is doing a couple of shifts at the local vaccination centre next week marshalling traffic in the car park so will at least get a bit of fresh air! I know in the grand scheme of things this is a small worry but I hate to see my usually busy and active teens lolling round the house all day.

@Prokupatuscrakedatus

DD has not been out of the house since last August (she does exercise indoors and has full time uni courses all online) DS (AS) not since online lessons started last school year unless to see our GP (He too exercises inddors.)

A walk round an inner city block of flats is not much fun for a teen and as everything else is cancelled or closed or involvest travelling on public transport.

Are you serious?? Last August?? That's really bad, sorry, but it is. It doesn't matter what your area is like. I live on a shitty estate, it's not that nice in my immediate vicinity either but you must have parks or playing fields, or even a precinct to hang about at-something? Plus, you were legally allowed on public transport for non essential trips all Summer and until Xmas, you know that don't you? I wouldn't tolerate a kid being inside for months, or getting up at 3 pm, it's a recipe for serious depression and alienation. I'm not saying mine aren't a bit down,but Hell yes I nag, bribe, persuade and cajole to get them outside and in the end it's "you are coming out of there's no X Box/phone etc" and yes they moan a bit but once they have been out it perks them up, it really does. Maybe it's just me, but I need to go outside a lot, I just can't sit in the house 24.7.

My ds is 18. He's going out twice or three times a week for a walk or a run. And that's it.

@blake77 You are, of course, right from a 'being outside is healthy' point of view, but

• I am not in the UK.
• My teens are legally adults, so no taking things away.
• DS is AS, so I am very happy that he has not given up on school and whatever keeps him from giving up on his education I'll accept.
• DD has only been able to make virtual contacts as lockdown started when she started uni. She knows about a hundred new people but only online and in virtual study groups and tutorials. She simply can't see the point.
• They are both healthy.

Fair do's Prokupatuscrakedatus, I guess there is a world of difference between a 13/15 year old and a 19 year old! It really stresses me when colleagues say they haven't been out for weeks, not just teens, so sorry if I was harsh. It is from a place of worry (I'm a worrier!)

@Blakes77 No problem - when they were younger: we always had an annual pass to all our zoos and we had an allottment.

Ds16 goes out about 4 times a week to walk the dog for 30-60 mins each time. I try and get him to come with me to the woods for a walk on the weekends, and he'll bring his dirt scooter and we'll get a few extra miles in.
I actually think this isn't enough, and if his school work wasn't so demanding, it would be more.
He also takes vitamins, but getting outside in nature is so crucial for managing stress and preventing chronic stress, anxiety, depression etc. I think this is really important considering he can't see his friends in person at the moment.

My best friend's 14yo DD is out constantly! At least 5 days a week, gathering in little gangs of 5 or 6 of her friends, anywhere they can be out of sight of the oldies.

These are all kids at v expensive London girls day school & the associated boys school.

Their Instagram feeds are chock full of them posing with cigarettes. Hashtag rebel hashtag OMG etc. Ah, teenagers...

My DS age 14 is pretty cave like too. I go in and yank up blinds just get some daylight in (which causes much spluttering and indignation). Left to himself he'd do nothing but pop out for snacks. Brief spell running ended because he hurt his ankle. But he does come out with us for a walk a few mornings a week before school and once at the weekend - so I can't complain. He's got back into cycling so takes his bike to the local park and does a few laps every now and then as well. He is super fit in the summer and I think (assuming his sport gets going again this year) he'll have a shock when he realises how out of condition he is.

The main thing I've noticed is that his sleep has gone to pot - I think not enough fresh air and exercise but he thinks I'm talking nonsense. He's got rather spotty too but that's just hormones I suspect - though doubt any of this helps.

Poor kids though. What a time to be trying to stretch your wings.

My 15 y11 daughter has not left the house except for a few dog walks, and only under protest! My 17 year old goes for walks every day, and any excuse (need milk, newspaper, dogs, etc, he's ready and willing to go). He's high energy and even after an hour running on the treadmill still has to get out.

During the first lockdown my DS (now Y11) would join us on short walks most days but this time he's only been out of the house a handful of times. His school workload has massively increased and he is physically exhausted most of the time so the occasions he's been out of the house have mainly been for medical appointments. He's wiped out on the few walks he's joined us on.

@Blakes77 the last thing people need is your judginess!

Cave dwellers here also. For added irony, DS is writing a research piece on how running can benefit mental health, particularly in teenagers.

Hardly at all now and one of them is really outdoorsy and motivated usually. They do both volunteer once a week fortunately. And study hard.

Mine have to take it in turns to walk the dog so they have an hours walk every other day. Apart from that theyve hardly been out at all.

DD has been out only for medical appointments (though medical issue limits her to walking for a few minute anyway).

DS has been to his part time job (once fortnightly). And once to the shop to stock up on essential supplies sweets and fizzy drinks. And once he did go for a walk with a friend. And came back saying his legs hurt. I am suspecting due to lack of use.

Every day. They’re pretty good at exercising.

Ds(16) is out for about 45 mins most days to walk the dog, he doesn't really see anyone when out. He is not particularly keen on waking the dog again, but if he goes a couple of days without going out he notices a difference to his mood and ability to concentrate so he accepts it is an necessary evil.

He also works out at home (I have a weight bench in the middle of the living room 🤦🏻‍♀️) 2-3 times a week without too much prompting.

I would be very concerned for his general wellbeing if he wasn't doing anything and would be pro actively doing something to change that.

Can't get my y10 out. She hasn't been out of the house since Christmas apart from a trip to the drive through for BK fries last week as an act of desperation on my part. She has developed huge anxiety and is waking in the night to be sick, but doesn't want to talk about it. I'm trying to persuade her to come for a walk to the shop now, but she is refusing and saying she's too tired. I'm really hoping that with spring on the way the lighter days may help her mood, but I think I'm clutching at straws.

another cave dweller.
Although in fairness I have to defend him - he has an inflamed ingrown toenail that looks/hurts like hell.... and nhs is not taking referrals :(

Yeah cave dwellers here too, one 18yo starting uni course online and one 15yo (Y10). We've just got a puppy so they are excited to go on dog walks. The rest of the time they are gaming/watching YouTube or sleeping!

DD yr 11 - I occasionally force house exit on the basis that her body will atrophy and appear as a wet noodle unless she works her muscles at least three times a week - am also forcing housework on the same basis

The 17 year old has left the house about once per month since last March. The 13 year old will come out with me for a walk if I suggest it, but if left to it would just shamble between bed, bathroom, and living room in an infinite loop.

Mine going out once a week for a walk, under duress. I sometimes don't know why I bother with all the fuss it causes

@Blakes77 the last thing people need is your judginess!

I am allowed an opinion. Even the little exercise and fresh air mine get is nowhere near enough.

Prokupatuscrakedatus I have an allotment, it's great because I am forced out in all weathers!

That sounds really hard Fascinationends