How can I get my son, who is constanly playing video games active?

Question

He turns down all my ideas that I mention to him, but i really need to get him into some kind of group so hes not sitting around all day. Hes getting pretty much no exercise and he needs it. Hes not overwieght or anything, but he just needs to become more active.

Answer 1

You're the parent. make a time limit for the TV and Video games. Tell him one hour after school or b4 bed and then stick to it, if he complains stand your ground and he'll know you are serious. he could be riding a bike or playing on a scooter outside... or you could even get him a slip-n-slide or something to play with out back that would make him want to be active once he knows the new rules on TV/video game time. once hes bored he'll find something to do.

Answer 2

You-The Parent

Him-The CHILD

1.Take away the video games (yes this will cause an uproar, but who said everything about parenting was fun?)

2. Pick out 2 activities and let him choose one to do. Drive him there and it will grow on him once he gets over being "mad at you"

3. If he refuses to pick one, pick one for him and make him go.

Children need a say in some things but this is for his health both mentally and physically. Reward him for other activities with video game time but never should TV/video game time be more than an hour a day. Have him read, play soccer, join a swim team, roller skate, football, art, music, just something that gets his BRAIN and BODY functioning.....

Answer 3

Telling him he has to try one of your activities you've chosen or bye bye video games.

Answer 4

Simple, take away his video games, computer and whatever else that keeps him occupied inside the house.

Answer 5

TURN OFF THE GAME, IF HE GIVE YOU LIP, THEN TAKE IT FROM HIM

MY MOTHER MADE US GO OUTSIDE A PLAY

Answer 6

Unplug the video game.  Pack it away.

Go for a hike or bike ride.  Do something with him.  You can suggest out the wazoo but action speaks louder.

Answer 7

Ask him what he would like to do besides play video games, if you get no response or a I dont' know...Give him a couple of choices of fun things he can do besides playing video games, and give him no choice but to do what you have picked, yes it may seem somewhat harsh at first but sometimes you have to push change, and after all you have his best interest at heart so, if you pick something you know your sons into he will probably be upset with you for a bit, but I believe things will be good after he starts doing them. Video games can be very addictive, and a real good tool for not being bored, but I believe if you two can come up with some fun things to do he will be happier in the long run. The key is to getting him involved in the choice, and following thru with the change even if he fights you tooth and nail.

Answer 8

Buy Wii fit, it really works!!!!

Answer 9

What happened to parental discipline ??? Give him chores to do before he is allowed to play the games...allow only so much time on the game thing...I'm sure that there are jobs around the house that he could do...Get mim into martial arts or swimming...use your head...

Answer 10

Put a limit to how much time can be spent each day playing the video games. Maybe say he can play in the evenings for 1 hour each day (or whatever is reasonable), that will force him to find other things to do.

Answer 11

You're the parent, you can say when it is time to turn video games off.  Tell him to go outside and do somethin, get him into a sports league.  If he won't get up then unplug the games and take them away.  You're in charge.

Answer 12

People might think I am mean when I say this but I had to do it with my son.

TAKE IT AWAY!! no matter how much he screams or kicks or yell.

I thought it was better for my son to scream because he wanted to play video games or screaming because he is in pain because of other diseases that where obesity related.

Answer 13

Hard to answer when we don't know how old he is...  Maybe set something up with his friends?  Don't give him only ideas, get moving yourself and organize something.  If you want to avoid a fight, tell him the console is broken!  And if nothing else works, buy a Wii.  ;-)

Answer 14

well i mean you are the parent so dont let your son be in control if your able to cuz i know they are expensive i dont even have one but i think thats becuz our family isnt big on video games but neways you could maybe think about getting a wii system becuase its active any kind of game he wants to play he actually has to move so he gets in exercise! you could also limit how long he plays his video games because in all actuallity he really does need to be out with other kids around his age he needs to get that social experience otherwise it will be harder for him as he gets older to talk with people! and people skills are needed for everything work,school, social life ect. for now i think you have three choices limit his time, buy the wii, or take it away altogether until he listens and learns that when you say enough video games that means enough! its one thing if he just got a new game and he is stuck on it i have even done that wen i was younger i would come home from school do my chores and homework and go staight to the video game for hours until it was time to go to bed for about a week until i beat it or got tired of it thats all id do! so kind of decide whether it is normal or its a game he has had for years and he just doesnt want to listen to you! good luck i hope this helped!

Answer 15

put a time limet to them, you know whats best and take that option away and he will find other things to do,be firm

Answer 16

Make a few rules: Don't take them completely away or he will just get mad and upset. Maybe let him play his games for an hour a day. If he can't follow your hour a day rule then start taking them away for a few days. He will learn to listen to you if you show him you are serious. Get him involved in some kind of summer sports team. Or take him and a friend to the pool. No kid wants to be outside by themselves. Kids just don't know how to entertain themselves when they are alone, so join in the activities or invite his friends over. Take him fishing or maybe get him a bike or a skateboard. He has to have something to occupy his time outside. Ask him to help with chores, inside or outside the house. If he doesn't then take away the games...you have to show him you are in charge. If he knows you are serious then he will come around. If he does good for a couple days then don't forget to show appreciation for his help around the house or what not. Reward him with maybe two hours ONE day. You have to show your kids that you are the boss. It might be tough and he might throw a fit..but a couple weeks or days without his video games or t.v. should set him straight. Make sure if you take them away you put them in a safe place that he doesn't have access to.

Answer 17

Take the video games away one by one... and thats just so its not a big task or arguement.... then he will have no games to play....

Answer 18

Children always do any thing to get what they like.

So ask him to do some thing and you offer him some thing he like very much.

Evert time you say some thing to him pls offer him some thing he like.

You can control your son by doing so.

Don let them control you.Punish him if he is on the wrong track Don think of punishing him.If you do this i am sure he will be under control

Answer 19

I know you don't want to hear this but cut the game off and tell him to go outside!

Answer 20

take the games away and maybe just allow the video games as a reward only.

Answer 21

Tell him from now on he has to get out and do something - and for every hour he goes and is active - he can have an hour of video gaming.

Answer 22

You just grab your purse and say, "Let's go." Head to park, local swimming pools, go hiking -etc.

Tell dad to take him to play sports, golf, tennis etc.

just get up and go and tell him to follow.

Answer 23

How old is he? Take the game away from him.  He will eventually get used to it being gone and find alternate things to do.  Set him up in groups/activities that you think he will enjoy.  You need to make the plans for him and get more involved with him.  Playing video games leads to procrastination and no ambition to get up and go because it will always be "just a minute" or "wait game is almost over"  If you don't it won't end.  Use Video game as a reward for doing good but limit the time spent on it.  Good Luck