What does your 9/10 year old DS do to amuse himself?

[Legacy]

Because ours doesn't seem to be able to DO very much, unless

a) it's screen-based (TV, computer etc)
or
b) it involves annoying his little brother (age 6), which of course, in turn, annoys us.

I'm becoming a bit concerned that he seems totally unable to come up with things to do, without us prompting or suggesting or organising?

He just doesn't seem to be able to 'take himself' off and get engrossed in something. It always seems to be something that involves us (e.g. chess, joint activity e.g. tennis etc).

We DO spend lots of time with each of them during the course of the week, but sometimes I just need him to get out of my hair and get on with a hobby/ interest etc.

It seems the minute I leave a room (e.g. to make a meal) and if I say no TV/computer, then he's just hanging around like a lost cause, and usually ends up annoying DS2 (who will quite happily play for AGES on his own, making Lego models, listening to music etc).

He does read a lot, but other than that he doesn't consider himself to have any 'hobbies' as such. Is very unsporty, so you wouldn't find him outside kicking a balla round for example.

He is always out on his bike - come rain, shine, wind, hail. One of those children that cannot stop still for a minute.

But what do they do between say 6.30 - 8.30 pm in the evening?

Some nights we're out doing swimming, or he's at cubs, but for some of those other things (drawing, trampoline, puzzles etc) he seems to do them for about 10-15 minutes then complains he's bored again.

I never expected to be still having to entertain and co-ordinate activities for a nearly 10 year old .

Mine reads, mainly, or plays on his DS or on the computer (30 mins only tho). Or builds Star Wars lego, or fiddles around with his bass guitar. Atm he's just gone to the playing field round the corner to join his sisters who are already there. Hopefully they will all be back at supper time, but I suspect I'll have to go and fetch them.

Just wondering at what age generally do your boys stop playing with toys? e.g. action figures, dinosaurs, cars etc

Apple pudding - I'd say at about 7-8. Certainly DS1 (9.5 yrs) doesn't really touch his anymore. He will still build Lego models - but now mainly of the technical/ motorised variety, or build things like marble runs when he's being kind to his younger brother.

I'm wondering if 9/10 is a funny sort of age when they stop playing with toys and games so mcuh, but haven't really worked out what else they can do IYSWIM? I know he would spend hours on the computer if I let him, but I don't want that to be his 'hobby'. DH suggested stamp-collecting ...

He plays the guitar, but always wants me to come and play too.

I need him to develop some solo hobbies, so I can get other things done!

Unfortunately there aren't really any other boys in the street the same age (all younger) so if he plays outside he's a bit on his own...

Mine is 9 and plays with lego, knex, computer games and reads books if they are boys friendly and have lots of rude words in. If we nag him he goes to the park with his brother. I think they go through a not quite grown up but not a baby either stage between 8 and 11.

Well, today, before and after homework and drama club, my 10.5 year old has played a game of Match Attax (sp?) with his 7 year old brother, had a soft toy naval battle with same brother, drawn up a list of all his male friends in and out of school (38, apparently), read various comics, drawn up various ideal football teams (Premiership, friends at school and soft toys) and is currently singing loudly and tunelessly in the shower.

I'm not sure he's very typical though . At the weekend he was dressing up as various Bond inspired heroes (watched Quantum of Solace four times on the way to and from Singapore over Easter), so he is still quite immature/young in his games.

I'm guessing that it is harder for boys that age if they are not sporty.

Mine is 7 nearly 8 and still plays with all his plastic toys (as above). However, he also spends loads and loads of time outside playing cricket, football, tennis - all by himself. Similar to singersgirl's DS he draws up lists and lists of football teams, but then plays his own little games outside of various cups and leagues etc

Is it possible for you to arrange for your DS to have a friend from school over to play once a week so he isn't just relying on you for his entertainment?

my 8-9 yr old is the bit the same - doesn't seem to play much any more, but does love listening to music on cd, singing to himself reading comic type books (Simpsons, Asterix, books about film).
Does seem to like playing games which require adult imput though like cards etc, like yours.
When we were on holiday, he was completely happy hanging around with his cousins and required no entertainment whatsoever.
Like you , wish I could get him to sustain some oldfashioned hobby - lego, stamp collecting birdwatching, airfix. Do not think he is the type unfortunately...Hates craft really, unless it takes 5 mins.

DS1 is nearly 8 and very similar, though he does get lost in long involved solitary imaginary games from time to time. Apart from computer, he reads a lot,
talks a lot(!)occasionally draws and plays with Lego but that's it really. I wonder if it's the age where they really need someone around their own age to play with - DS1 never has any trouble finding something to do when a friend comes round.