My children want to do 'nothing'

[pupchewsleg]

It's an amazing sunny day. We are all at home with no plans. Over breakfast DH and I try to enthuse our children with some options for the day.
Suggestions include Caving, Rock climbing, beach, woods, firelighting, long walk, canoeing cycle ride.
DS1 and DS2 (10 and 9) would like to do 'nothing'. They would prefer to play on screens but if that's not on the would like to stay at home, play on trampoline, at a push go to the park.
Any one else's kids the same?
They have so much opportunities and apparently its all boring.
We are going out (under protest).

Mine are like that but I always took it to be because for mine it tends to be a choice of national trust places or the park.

Sometimes kids just want to chill out, just like grown ups. They could have had a particularly tough week at school. Mine have had national tests this last week and are knackered and don't want to do anything either. We have chilled out in the garden and will probably do the same today if that's what they want to do!

Blimey...your suggestions sound a little extreme! I'm not sure I'd fancy a day caving or canoeing. Besides, they do want to do something op...they want to go on their trampoline and perhaps to the park. They just don't want to do your suggestions don't blame them

Don't ask, tell. We sometimes give them a choice but often get the same wanting to stay in. But if we go out they enjoy it. How about having one day where they decide and the next day it's parents choice. You don't complain if their choice is staying at home and the park, they don't get to complain about your choice.

When my son was younger (he's 14) I would limit screen time to evenings only on days like today. Yes he would be moody all the way out but I know he would enjoy himself and 9/10 he did. Enjoy the weather

We often let ours have a do nothing day. If we’ve had a hectic few weekends in a row we deliberately ‘do nothing’ for a weekend. They are at activities nearly every night after school and we feel quite strongly that sometimes they need down time to just chill and veg out.

Why not let them do what they want this time? You could alternate between vibrant, healthy, enriching, educational experiences and letting them have a day off the wheel.

Yup. Same here (11yo). Drives me insane. They tend to enjoy it when they get there (well, the whinging drops to an acceptable level) but the default option is ALWAYS to be at staying at home. Grrrrr.

Compromise, negotiate.

For context DS1 did 'nothing' (played on trampoline, xbox etc) yesterday. DS2 played football but had the rest of the day free. I get it (l didn't want to go caving either) but I also find it frustrating that they don't want to seize opportunities. I am sure if they were going with their friends they would be a lot more interested.
I don't think they consider any of those activities extreme either (that's why they are boring).

Its important to do nothing if that is what they want

I was dragged everywhere. Nightmare.

Yes, you're probably right they'd enjoy it more with friends. Is that an option? We're debating an evening trip to the beach, it'll be nice and cool and the kids are often more up for that after a day chilling. I find the problem is often getting them going on the morning, if they've had a week's worth of being dragged out of bed for school they just want to take it easy on a weekend morning.

Seize the day doesn't mean having to do any of those things. I'd hate all of them.
Also "enjoy the weather" - what does that even mean? Is going to the park not enjoying the weather?

Like others have said, they do get tired and it’s fine to let them relax, without screens) at home on a day like today. I don’t think it’s unreasonale to have a day out over a Bank Holiday either. Ask them where they want to go and decide amongst yourselves. If they insist on not going out explain that it’s fine but there’s not screen/phones until after tea.

There is nothing wrong with doing nothing. Limit the screens certainly, but being able to amuse themselves on the trampoline or at the park or on bikes is perfect.

Children are often over scheduled and need down time. Caving wouldn't be making the most of the weather either!

I'm with your kids - mine are chilling out outdoors with neighbor kids in the little neighborhood playground and football field and in the garden today. It's lovely. I'm off to work in a minute unfortunately but they benefit from being able to occupy themselves outdoors more than being scheduled into constant organised activities imo.

Mine would like beach

Both hate “pointless walks to nowhere”

Cycling is ok if again it has a purpose and isn’t aimless pootling eg it’s a race, it’s to a pub for lunch outdoors etc

They like canoeing but again would want a purpose and a break

Relaxy screen time is for when it’s dark

We're going to play a miniature golf and go for a walk at the beach. It's a compromise. DS 1 and 2 do like all the listed activities. I don't think going with another family is an option today though, but something to think about.

Caving? On a sunny day?

Sometimes doing nothing is just what they need.

Just chill out

Mine like activities with a purpose, so “go for a walk” won’t cut it but “we’re going to walk to...” is fine. Probably because there’s a definite point.

We’re also doing the beach tonight. Fish and chips for tea and then play on the sand. Cooler and quieter!

'Suggestions include Caving, Rock climbing, beach, woods, firelighting, long walk, canoeing cycle ride.
DS1 and DS2 (10 and 9) would like to do 'nothing'.'

To much choice

'We've got the bikes on the rack packed our picnics. Put down your tablets and get in the car'

I thought you were going to say they were teens

Could one of them take a friend if another family isn’t an option? The day you have planned does sound like a lovely way to spend a Sunday with your family OP. Count your blessings, my DH has to work all weekend.

My DC never want to do anything. IMO they shouldn't be forced to. We have a garden.

Screen time after dark also puzzles me
Plus if they've missed their screens, they'll be on for longer and more likely screw up sleep time

I sincerely dislike 'organised fun' activities and would much prefer to sit in the garden with a book or at most go for a walk on the beach or a relaxing cycle when it's cooled down later.

Doing nothing is the best.

There's nothing nicer than a pottering day though sometimes is there? Even in lovely weather.