Hi, I have a 13 year old that hates sports. She is overweight for her age and needs to do something! She doesn't like going to dance, she hates sports bc she doesnt' like people watching her. My guess is she may just be lazy, I'm not sure. Any ideas on how to get her butt moving without her balling her eyes out bc I've made her do something!?
We are a proud member of the Parenthood.com Network
Trouble Viewing Site?
The site is best viewed in IE7 and Firefox. For more information,
Click Here
 |
 |
 |
Pole-dancing for 6-year-olds (From www.salon.com) Once you've learned the alphabet, you're ready for the ABC's of stripping. At least that seems to be the thinking at Scotland's... |
Give her a boost
I love the ideas of doing non-traditional sports at the YMCA, especially since they seem to be sensitive to kids who say they hate sports. But - and this is just a guess - it sounds like she needs a confidence boost. If she doesn't like people watching her it's likely that she lacks some self confidence. The weather isn't great for it right now, but even if she just started a walking regimen where she could get outside on warmer days with an MP3 player for company that would be a start. Then, if she starts to develop an appreciation for moving her muscles you could take baby steps towards finding her other ways to exercise. Riding a bike could be next, for example.
Try something non-traditional
My 8-year-old hasn't found a team sport he likes, but he loves going to the YMCA and climbing their rock wall. I know other "non-sporty" kids who have gotten really into martial arts. She could also try yoga or any number of exercise tapes that you could play at home so the embarrassment factor is taken away. Kristen has a lot of great ideas with family activities (I'd add bowling to the list!) and non-food rewards. Whatever you do, I'd put the emphasis on having fun and getting healthier, NOT on her weight. That will only make her more self-conscious and negative about exercise. And 13 can be such a tough age; I know it was for me.
Alison Johnson
Stay away from swimming
Stay away from swimming because it sounds like she'd really hate to be seen in a bathing suit if she doesn't like people looking at her. I would try family activities like bike riding and hiking and walking. I'm not above bribing either -- maybe she would join you in mall walks three times a week (walking inside -- each mall could tell you how many trips around equals a mile) and then at the end of the month she gets some money toward new clothes. Or maybe she'd like to start a dog walking business and she could get paid to walk every day. This could also work for walking babies and toddlers in strollers. Good luck - I know it's hard to get kids to do anything they don't like!
Kristen De Deyn Kirk
Editor, Mytidewatermoms.com