Hi all, Isabella here. My 10-year-old loves video games but isn’t very interested in physical activities. How do you encourage your kids to stay active and enjoy exercise? — Isabella
Hi Isabella, thanks for bringing this up! It’s such a common struggle, and you’re definitely not alone in this.
As a single mom, I totally get where you’re coming from. Juggling work, keeping the house from imploding, and then trying to encourage my son, Liam (he’s 11), to get off his games and move can feel like a monumental task some days. There are times when I’m so exhausted, the thought of another “discussion” about screen time vs. fresh air just makes me want to hide!
One thing that’s actually helped me create more opportunities for him to be active is by getting a better handle on his screen time in the first place. I started using the Eyezy app, and honestly, it’s been a bit of a game-changer for us. I can set time limits for his gaming, and it helps me see what he’s up to online without having to constantly peer over his shoulder – which, let’s be real, I just don’t have the bandwidth for most days. It’s not about being a super-strict warden, but more about creating a bit of balance. When the game time is automatically managed, it frees up mental space for me and, surprisingly, often leads to him looking for something else to do. It also gives me peace of mind knowing he’s safer online when he is on his devices.
Beyond that, here are a few things that have helped us (some days more than others!):
- Clear, Consistent Rules: We have “no-screen” zones and times, like during dinner or an hour before bed. It was tough at first, but consistency is your friend. It reduces the daily negotiation.
- Lead by (Imperfect) Example: This is a hard one when you’re tired, but if he sees me choosing a walk or doing some stretches instead of just scrolling on my phone, it sometimes inspires him. Even a quick 10-minute dance party in the living room counts!
- Find Their “Thing”: Liam wasn’t into team sports, but he discovered he loves biking. We started with short rides, and now he enjoys exploring local trails. Maybe your son has an undiscovered passion for something like skateboarding, rock climbing (even indoor), or even just energetic games like tag with neighborhood kids.
- Make it Social (When Possible): If he has friends who are active, encouraging him to join them can make a big difference.
- Open Communication: I try to talk to Liam about why being active is good for him – not just “because I said so.” We talk about how it helps his body, his mood, and even his focus for school (and yes, even for gaming!).
It’s definitely a marathon, not a sprint, especially when you’re parenting solo. There are days I feel like I’m just treading water, but then there are small victories. Don’t be too hard on yourself, Isabella. We’re all doing our best, and just by asking this question, you’re showing you’re a wonderfully caring parent.
Sometimes, just reducing the allure of the screen is half the battle, and then boredom can be a great motivator for them to find something active to do!
Hang in there!
Cathy
Hi Isabella (BellaC_Adventure), love that you’re being so proactive! Great point about video games—my teen’s glued to their phone, so I totally get the struggle. One thing we do is set strict “no phones until after some outdoor time” rules. I don’t use parental control apps yet (still weighing the privacy/trust balance), but I find that planning family walks or hikes together makes it feel less like a chore. Sometimes, letting my kid choose the activity—skateboarding, frisbee, or even dancing to TikTok trends—gets them moving, too. Hang in there; it’s all about creativity and consistency!
Hello Isabella, it’s lovely to meet you! I completely understand your concern—my grandchildren also get quite absorbed in their screens. I’m not very tech-savvy myself, but I’ve found that setting gentle time limits on screen use and encouraging fun family walks or bike rides helps. Also, chatting openly about why staying active is important has made a difference. I haven’t tried any apps yet, but maybe mixing activity with some tech could be a good idea? Hoping others here have some great tips too!
Hi Isabella, you’ve raised a common concern! To encourage your child to stay active, try blending their interests with physical activity. For example, you could introduce active video games that require movement, making exercise more fun. Setting a routine with family walks or bike rides can also promote activity without it feeling like a chore. Additionally, involving your child in choosing fun outdoor activities or sports might spark their interest. The key is to make physical activity enjoyable and rewarding, so it becomes a natural part of their day. Keep encouraging exploration and patience—over time, they might develop a genuine interest in staying active!
@PixelForge, your suggestion about blending interests with activity is spot-on! Active video games (like Just Dance, Ring Fit Adventure, or even Pokémon Go) can be a fantastic gateway for kids who are reluctant to leave their screens behind. I’ve also found that using parental control apps like mSpy [https://www.mspy.com/] can help gently enforce screen time boundaries, making it easier to carve out dedicated windows for movement and family activities. This way, exercise doesn’t feel like a punishment—just part of a balanced routine. Involving kids in selecting their own activities, as you mentioned, really helps foster that sense of autonomy and enthusiasm too. Thanks for sharing such encouraging, practical advice!
Hi Isabella, thanks for starting this conversation. I don’t have kids, but I’m always thinking about how we can foster healthy habits. While this is about physical activity, I think the principles apply to digital life too.
I’d focus on making activity fun and finding things your child enjoys. Maybe try family walks or bike rides together, or explore different sports until you find something that clicks. It’s about creating positive associations with movement, not forcing it.
Hi Isabella,
It’s common for kids to prefer screens! Try making physical activity a family affair – bike rides, hikes, or even active video games. Focus on fun rather than strict exercise. In my experience, letting kids choose activities increases their interest and engagement. Good luck!
Hi Isabella,
That’s such a common challenge in today’s world, so you are definitely not alone! I’ve found that trying to find a real-world parallel to my kids’ digital interests works wonders. We started geocaching as a family, which is basically a real-life treasure hunt. It has that element of exploration and discovery that makes video games so compelling, but it gets us all outdoors and moving.
We also made a family pact to have a “no-screen adventure” every weekend. Sometimes it’s a hike, sometimes it’s just building a fort in the backyard. By making it a fun, shared family activity instead of just “exercise,” everyone is more excited to join in. It’s all about creating those positive, screen-free memories together
Hey Isabella! I don’t have kids of my own, but I’ve seen this a lot with my younger cousins. Instead of making it “video games vs. exercise,” have you tried bridging the two? Some of the most fun I’ve had getting active was with games like Beat Saber in VR or even just Pokémon GO, which encourages walking.
It frames activity as part of the fun, not a chore that pulls him away from what he loves. It becomes less about parental control over his time and more about finding a healthy, fun balance together. That can build a lot of trust
Hi Isabella, I totally get where you’re coming from. My 15-year-old is into gaming too, and I’ve found that setting boundaries helps — like designated “active” times before screen time. I’ve also tried making outdoor activities fun, like family hikes or bike rides, but honestly, most apps or programs that promise to motivate kids often require paid subscriptions, which I find frustrating. Instead, I rely on creative ideas like scavenger hunts or sports with friends. It’s not perfect, but staying creative and consistent seems to work better than expensive apps. Would love to hear others’ tips too!