What "at home" hobbies or interests do your 13yo boys have? (non-screen ones)

[SpecialAgentDaleCooper]

I think DS needs to have an interest or hobby that he can do at home that doesn't involve a screen.

He plays sports so has training and matches a couple of times a week but the rest of his time he wants to be on his PS4, watching YouTube videos or on his phone.

He claims to not want to do anything creative or arty or musical "because I'm no good at it" so I'm stumped.

What do your boys do?

Sea Cadets, he loves it, amazing experiences, sailing, camping, engineering, first aid, pt, my son took part in the remembrance parade at the cenotaph today and loves every minute!

I also have this kind of dilemma and it constantly plays on my mind... have 3 ds / eldest 13 going on 14 soon. He does some clubs after school - martial arts on Saturday and I struggle with getting him keen on doing something non screen related.... couple of things I have just begun - art project that I can start with boys and they can continue through week.... also booking weekly badminton courts at local leisure centre for weekend sessions.... do you belong to a gym? Ours offers teen fit sessions ?

Sorry just seen your comment about him not wanting to art stuff...

Reads and sometimes draws. I wish there was something more too. .... homework takes up a lot of time.

Well this does involve a screen but how about coding?

Cooking?

DIY?

I think hobbies need to come from your interests really, not be chosen for you by your mum. Much as I sympathize with you OP.

It's not so much the activities that happen out of the home that I'm looking for, it's more the things he can do at home, by himself.
His older sister for example sews, draws and bakes - all things that she can do at home, without relying on other people so it's that type of hobby or interest I'm thinking of.

The other thing I forgot to mention was lead figure painting- like warhammer etc? My lot love that from time to time

Greatpumpkin oh I know I can't make him do anything but I'm just hoping that someone will come up with something that I can suggest to him that will grab his attention.

What about cooking. It's a great life skill to have and can be really enjoyable

Table top games? My ds enjoys this star wars game. www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/products/x-wing/

He still enjoys Lego as well. Airfix, remote control car and planes. Taking apart old toasters etc. Junk modelling. Circuit boards.

Ds, is out a lot, but doesn’t have hobbies at home either so I try to reduce his screen time with family dinners, homework, chores, studying, reading. If he does them and screen time is his way to chill then ok.

Reading? Winding up little brother, Talking non-stop, begrudged homework... DS likes long walks, at least.

Can't think of anything else, sorry! DS is NOT a Joiner or self-entertainer, he's either in the toilet or on a screen if we have peace & quiet.

Airfix type stuff? Or maybe Warhammer?

What about DIY? Woodwork?

Board games. Chess?

mine is also on the screen or on the toilet, frequently both together

OP this might be too radical but DS 13 got a pet bearded dragon last year. It is company for him and he spends time caring for it

He listens to music on his headphones

He bought a keyboard which he plays now and then

Drawing, cooking, reading, scouts, football, rugby, teasing his siblings,

If allowred as with most teens he would stare at a screen all day so we have an hour a day at max in any screen. He moans then gets on with other stuff.

Good question as I have a similar DS who loved PS4. I’m not totally against it as he does socialise through it, but it gets a bit OTT.

He plays guitar so will knock out a tune or two.

He goes on his skateboard, but too dark now after school.

Occasionally he will draw or if I’m in mood will play a board game with him.

Would love my DS tondo something else at home too. The odd time he does come off the screen it’s usually to annoy his sister or forca nerf war.

Reading, titting about with his brother, designing football kits and playing fifa

Seems that a lot of 13yo boys are the same then ...screens and annoying their siblings.

Good info guys and keep the suggestions coming

Here is ps4, you tube bloggers and teasing his wee sister.

He ditched Scouts on condition he did another activity that night - he went out running twice and gave up on that too!

My DS enjoys cooking vegan meals for me and my DH. He also takes time to recite the communist manifesto to our family at our family meetings every Friday evening. He really takes pride in carrying out true communist values.

Similar in my home too...

What seems to work for my two teens is

• cooking
• reading
• complex Lego
• listening to music

But tbh they are both just better out of the house!! (If you want to avoid screens)

I have this. Neither ds shows much interest in anything other than football matches and football training.

Nearly 13 year old DS. Would spend all his time on a screen if we let him. When we drag him off, he loves cooking, Lego, reading, keyboard and his DOG.... dog was the best thing we could have got him. Playmate, training, gets him outside, gives us a common interest/means of communication with him. We love the dog!!!