Anyone else got boys who just don't want to play outside?

[lisbey]

Mine are 7 & 9 and it's a beautiful day here, warm and sunny, not too hot.

We have a good sized garden complete with climbing frame and when other boys come here they beg to be allowed outside whatever the weather. My DSs always want to play indoors.

Today they've had 1 hour on the WII (their allowance for the day). DS1 did help me beg out the washing and DS2 spent 15 mins bug hunting, but now they're building a world cup themed pub from cardboard boxed and plastic bottles. It's lovely that they're being creative (theme had nothing to do with our lifestyle honest ) and playing together nicely, but I can't help feeling they should be outside...

Neither are sporty (like their parents) but surely boys should be building dens, playing soldiers, exploring the wildlife, which they do do happily if we are out for the day or go to the park etc, but never at home.

Of course the more I "encourage" them to go outside the more they want to stay in

My ds1 is outdoorsy-ish but ds2 and ds3 would play on the X box or PC all day if allowed!
Ds4 is football mad and loves the outdoors!
Not all boys fit the stereotype!

I know chip, I don't want them to fit any stereotype, but would like them to get more fesh air and exercise. It would be a start if they'd take a book outside, but no, DS1 is sitting now in a darkened room with Harry Potter!

The only way I got mine out today was by telling them that I had no intention of driving them anywhere and if they wanted to buy any sweets they'd have to cycle the 5.25 mile return journey to the shop.

Worked a treat and has bought me some time to work.

My two are 11 and 13, though.

Ah yes, mine would jump at the chance to do that, Abr1de, but I'd have to go with them...

Got to B&Q and buy some guttering, some block paving bricks, some tarpaulin, some tuff tape, a washing line, add some off cuts of wood, planks, big sticks or whatever you can get to make outside dens.

You could beg a couple of old tyres from your local kwik fit too.

Then sent them out with it all and see what happens.

Yes, it defeats the point if you have to do it all with them. I love Al1son's ideas! That would be such fun.

I've tried that Al1son, not quite as resourcefully as you, but they get as far as spreading the conents of the airing cupboard over the lawn and then decide they've had enough and expect me to put it all away - not that that's ever happened

I've got a 6 yr old boy who has never wanted to move from the living room!!

He does now go outside more as DD, who has just turned 3 is an outdoors girl and he will go out and play with her.

He'd still rather be curled up in front of the TV or on the computer tho.

I feel your frustration lisbey!

For Lent this year, DS2 announced he was giving up "going outside".