How do you encourage non-sporty kids to be fit/active

[odi1]

My 8YO isn’t sporty and he’s pretty reluctant to do ‘active stuff’ together with before/after school he has quite long days so we have limited time in the week.

We try and go for walk/bike/scoot at weekends but not much else. He can be a bit of a emotional drain when he’s not happy about doing something and it’s rare that he’ll be in a ‘you’ll enjoy it when you get going’ kind of mood if we try something.

He wouldn’t class as overweight but I’ve noticed a slight tummy and chin developing.

I just want to get habits instilled around activity.

I try to watch what he eats but ex is responsible for 1/2 is eating and it’s not great there.

I think even being on their feet is better than lounging about. I have 2 daughters with chronic illness and tricky to do much exercise.
What does he do at break and lunch in playground?
We have basketball, swing ball, monkey bars etc in back garden. They like short treasure trails (a bought map and clues) Just Dance on YouTube and active games on the Wii or switch where we have a bit of friendly competition is fun for us all.

It's a bit pricey but would he and a friend go to Lazer tag/inflatable park/swimming?
Looking at a walking challenge for the summer where we aim for a particular distance. There's medals available if that would entice.
Basically stuff that doesn't feel like exercise.

Can he swim? That's great exercise, maybe get into the habit of going once a week. If not, swimming lessons as a priority.

Walk/cycle as much as possible, to school etc.

Treasure Trails is a great suggestion (Google it).

Something like Cubs/Scouts would be good because they do lots of outdoorsy, active stuff.

Keep trying sports in a relaxed way, you might find one he likes. It doesn't have to be super competitive or a regular club.

Does he still like softplay? The playground? A trampoline park?

I found the best thing was to keep trying different sports until they found one they did like. My DD liked rock climbing and horse riding. She wasn't a team sport person. Eldest DS liked rugby and football and horse riding. Youngest ds liked karate and kayaking as he preferred other interests like electric guitar. All had swimming lessons until they could swim a mile and were proficient swimmers. Eldest foster son did swimming, aquathlon, Crav Maga, karate, cricket and running. He loves team sports. Younger foster son loves football and cricket. They have tried things like archery, badminton, short tennis, park run, trampolining, table tennis etc. just keep trying new sports 1 by 1 until they find something they enjoy. My DS's like going to the gym And using the exercise equipment.

Thanks lots of great ideas.

i have tried a fair few sports and some he seems to enjoy but then says he doesn’t want to go back to. If I try to make him persevere it has caused issues with ex so need to do this in my time only.

he Is having swimming lessons but absolutely sees them as a chore.

I definitely feel like an individual sport would be better for him. He’s his own worst enemy in that he’ll be very competitive and get very upset and sulky about not being good at something straight away but won’t then take that as motivation to put in effort to get better at something he just expects to be good by osmosis.

Lots to try outside if of organised activities though. Swing ball is one to think about and maybe some challenges for us to do together like skipping or learning to hula hoop might be options. One of those target distance walks might suit us.

Make sure you are walking to /from school.

Get him helping with chores/gardening

Agree that things like cubs/theatre group involve being active even if they aren't sports.

Try new things all the time. Its fine to be active trying lots of different activities

Model being active yourself and hopefully he will start to join in

Wii fit type activities

My son doesn't enjoy team sports a lot but loves things like jogging, indoor climbing, ice skating

Unfortunately not walking distance from school and as stated in OP he also needs to attend wraparound care a lot so I don’t have time to park and walk as it is already tight for me getting to work in time but do on occasions I can I do park a bit further away.

Walking is the easiest way like you say use the car less or park further away. My youngest loved after school clubs and holiday clubs during half term etc.
We bought a football net for the garden and he would spend hours taking penalties on his own but imagining a crowd was cheering him on.