Sport or activity for clumsy child?

Question

My son is 10 with large feet that toe in. I know, he sounds silly but is very handsome. He is very very smart and articulate, loves video games and I could see him becoming a computer expert or something in the future. However he has started putting on weight and my family keep pressuring me to get him into a sport. He is easily frustrated, and does not have a very competitive nature. he likes bowling but what else can he do to stay active? BTW We have a large lawn and yard but the road out front is a bit busy for riding bikes. Plus he usually falls down on a sandy spot and gives up.

Answer 1

marial arts, theatre...eventhough it's not a sport. Maybe dont worry so much about wether he plays a sport and be more concerned with his overall happiness. At the end of the en day it's not worth it too have an unhappy kid. If henis unhappy now he will be unhappy late it is a vicious cycle. Ask him what he wants to do instead.

Answer 2

Before reading any of the answers, I thought of taekwondo. Looks like it would be a good fit for him.

Answer 3

I'd definitely recommend a martial art. You can progress at your own speed, and there's a big emphasis put on respect for other people. My eight year old is very uncoordinated and is also easily frustrated with sports that other people are much better than him at...but he absolutely LOVES his karate classes.

Answer 4

I agree with some martial art like tai kwon do.

About being pigeon toed - I was that way too! You can get him to practice walking on a tiled floor to retrain him - I was that age, and that's what my mom and sister did with me.

Swimming is a great activity, too.

Answer 5

Try a martial art - and no I'm not a fan of them but they do promote coordination and balance.

He won't feel like he's letting a team down if he doesnt do so well to start with and he will find others his age who are also just starting.

Answer 6

limit his time with the computer and video games and cut out the sweets.  What about martial arts?  Or dance?  You can have him mow your yard (push mower) for an allowance...yard work, cleaning, money is a good motivator for lots of kids.

Answer 7

Any water sports.