TOTALLY GEEKED!

FNW · Guru

RE: Dear Carolyn: Is Son Old Enough to Ride Bike Home from School?

huskerbb · Guru

Lawyerlady wrote:
The experience of playing a sport is part of a well rounded childhood. Do they have to play something they hate? NO. Do they have to play forever? NO. But they have to try new things and try to find something they like.

Yet if the child wants to play and the parents say no--the child's thoughts on it are to be ignored. Got it.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

FNW wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
FNW wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
huskerbb wrote:
I'm not saying the kid always gets their way.

"I don't want to go to church?"

"Duly noted, get in the car."

However, the sports one is a good example. Are you going to make them go out for soccer if they prefer softball? Really?
No - I already said that. I told my kid she had to pick a sport - but let her choose which one. How is that unreasonable parenting?
Sooo.....what if they don't want ANY sport? You assume they will sit and watch TV all day, because they would be happy with that. If they do, that's on you, not them. Put them to work or do something with them.
So, make them do housework instead of a sport? Yeah, much better. And I WORK full time - I don't have the luxury of spending hours a day exercising my children like dogs.
I work full-time, too. And I'll bet I have quite a few years on you.
Requiring children to contribute to the household chores is not exercising them like dogs. Teaching them to make beds, do laundry, prune bushes (properly), take out the trash, load/unload the dishwasher, cook, etc. That's teaching them to grow into independent individuals who can take care of themselves. A lot more useful than growing up to sit on the couch with one hand in their pants reminiscing about their heyday playing high school football a la Al Bundy.

You talk a lot in absolutes. My kids have chores. But they also have time for everything else, including sports.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm taking the kids to the zoo. I took the day off to do it. And then, when we get back, DD12 has a tennis match. Amazing, we can do both.

Tinydancer · Guru

huskerbb wrote:
Tinydancer wrote:
Who said he did?
It has to be one or the other. Unless you think dad picking him up at the halfway point is a reasonable compromise.

One more time SLOWLY. It doesn't matter what we think. It's the parents decision. You can argue until you're blue in the face what they should do but you still don't get to decide for them.

FNW · Guru

Lawyerlady wrote:
FNW wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
FNW wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
huskerbb wrote:
I'm not saying the kid always gets their way.

"I don't want to go to church?"

"Duly noted, get in the car."

However, the sports one is a good example. Are you going to make them go out for soccer if they prefer softball? Really?
No - I already said that. I told my kid she had to pick a sport - but let her choose which one. How is that unreasonable parenting?
Sooo.....what if they don't want ANY sport? You assume they will sit and watch TV all day, because they would be happy with that. If they do, that's on you, not them. Put them to work or do something with them.
So, make them do housework instead of a sport? Yeah, much better. And I WORK full time - I don't have the luxury of spending hours a day exercising my children like dogs.
I work full-time, too. And I'll bet I have quite a few years on you.
Requiring children to contribute to the household chores is not exercising them like dogs. Teaching them to make beds, do laundry, prune bushes (properly), take out the trash, load/unload the dishwasher, cook, etc. That's teaching them to grow into independent individuals who can take care of themselves. A lot more useful than growing up to sit on the couch with one hand in their pants reminiscing about their heyday playing high school football a la Al Bundy.
You talk a lot in absolutes. My kids have chores. But they also have time for everything else, including sports.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm taking the kids to the zoo. I took the day off to do it. And then, when we get back, DD12 has a tennis match. Amazing, we can do both.

Spend the day walking around the zoo then go play tennis? This is exactly what I'm talking about when I referenced parents over- filling their children's schedule. Hell, I'm tired just thinking about it. I hope she gets to relax and watch a little TV when she gets home.

huskerbb · Guru

Tinydancer wrote:
huskerbb wrote:
Tinydancer wrote:
Who said he did?
It has to be one or the other. Unless you think dad picking him up at the halfway point is a reasonable compromise.
One more time SLOWLY. It doesn't matter what we think. It's the parents decision. You can argue until you're blue in the face what they should do but you still don't get to decide for them.

Again, why does he automatically get his way?

If it doesn't matter what we think--then why post on any topic ever? Thats an absurd statement.

just Czech · Give Me Grand's!

Oh good grief. Common sense would be helpful. Every parent makes a judgment call when it comes to their kid and the child's age pertaining to ALL activities. Sometimes the parents answer is "no" and sometimes the answer is "yes".
Eleven year olds do have opinions and can make a good argument for or against something he/she does/doesn't want to do. It's called "growing up".
Weigh it and go from there.

huskerbb · Guru

just Czech wrote:
Oh good grief. Common sense would be helpful. Every parent makes a judgment call when it comes to their kid and the child's age pertaining to ALL activities. Sometimes the parents answer is "no" and sometimes the answer is "yes".
Eleven year olds do have opinions and can make a good argument for or against something he/she does/doesn't want to do. It's called "growing up".
Weigh it and go from there.

Exactly. Finally a voice of reason.

Tinydancer · Guru

huskerbb wrote:
Tinydancer wrote:
huskerbb wrote:
Tinydancer wrote:
Who said he did?
It has to be one or the other. Unless you think dad picking him up at the halfway point is a reasonable compromise.
One more time SLOWLY. It doesn't matter what we think. It's the parents decision. You can argue until you're blue in the face what they should do but you still don't get to decide for them.
Again, why does he automatically get his way?

If it doesn't matter what we think--then why post on any topic ever? Thats an absurd statement.

For one. He didn't automatically get his way because she is writing for advice so she hasn't decided yet. Two. You are the one who always says to deal with the reality of the OP not what you think it should be. Would you like me to go back and find one of you posts where you say that to us?

huskerbb · Guru

Tinydancer wrote:
huskerbb wrote:
Tinydancer wrote:
huskerbb wrote:
Tinydancer wrote:
Who said he did?
It has to be one or the other. Unless you think dad picking him up at the halfway point is a reasonable compromise.
One more time SLOWLY. It doesn't matter what we think. It's the parents decision. You can argue until you're blue in the face what they should do but you still don't get to decide for them.
Again, why does he automatically get his way?

If it doesn't matter what we think--then why post on any topic ever? Thats an absurd statement.
For one. He didn't automatically get his way because she is writing for advice so she hasn't decided yet. Two. You are the one who always says to deal with the reality of the OP not what you think it should be. Would you like me to go back and find one of you posts where you say that to us?

I am dealing with reality. They disagree. the kid is 11. Theres no reason they cant take what he wants into consideration. In fact, the mom is doing just that.

Tinydancer · Guru

Yes and I told you we agree on that but you argue to argue. What we don't agree on I guess it's that the kids parents get to decide, not the kid.

huskerbb · Guru

Tinydancer wrote:
Yes and I told you we agree on that but you argue to argue. What we don't agree on I guess it's that the kids parents get to decide, not the kid.

No, I said it is ultimately up to the parents. you are the one who keeps arguing.

Riding · Guru

Mary Zombie wrote:
I don't think one partner should override the other as a general rule but in some cases someone has to make a decision and I in so to speak. 11 is old enough to do this IMO and he's even taking bike safety classes. Someone needs to save the kid from being helicoptered.

+1

Tinydancer · Guru

Sure. Then I'll stop and you can argue with someone else about it...lol

Riding · Guru

huskerbb wrote:
Or, worse, the parent who doesn't let their kid play baseball when they want to because they can't get their beer swilling butt off the couch to take the kid to practice a couple of times a week.

evileye

or because they are busting their butt at work to feed and clothe said child. Not everyone has a flexible job to get kids to practices, or people to help. No dog in this fight, but this just riled me up. There may be many issues etc. that no one but the immediate family are aware of (and they are NO one's business) that does not allow the child to participate. and it seems a bit judgmental to state something like the bolded. IMHO...ok backs off to return to my boring chair on the sidelines with my popcorn!

huskerbb · Guru

Riding wrote:
huskerbb wrote:
Or, worse, the parent who doesn't let their kid play baseball when they want to because they can't get their beer swilling butt off the couch to take the kid to practice a couple of times a week.

or because they are busting their butt at work to feed and clothe said child. Not everyone has a flexible job to get kids to practices, or people to help. No dog in this fight, but this just riled me up. There may be many issues etc. that no one but the immediate family are aware of (and they are NO one's business) that does not allow the child to participate. and it seems a bit judgmental to state something like the bolded. IMHO...ok backs off to return to my boring chair on the sidelines with my popcorn!

Sometimes that's the case, but usually something can be worked out if they are willing. Sometimes it's financial, too, but except for the truly destitute, some priority should be given to activities. Sports, dance, clubs, etc... are better and cheaper than a kid running the streets getting into trouble.

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

FNW wrote:
huskerbb wrote:
Tinydancer wrote:
huskerbb wrote:
Tinydancer wrote:
huskerbb wrote:
I'm not saying the kid always gets their way.

"I don't want to go to church?"

"Duly noted, get in the car."

However, the sports one is a good example. Are you going to make them go out for soccer if they prefer softball? Really?
As a parent that is their decision so it really doesn't matter what you or flan think.
Absurd. Plus, I'm asking YOU.
What's absurd? I already said that I would take my childs thoughts into consideration but I am not the parent of every child. Are you trying to argue that other parents can't decide for their own children? Now that's absurd...lol
no, I'm saying that they are not reasonble parents. We've all seen bad parents. The ones who make their kid play baseball when they can't hit a lick and the kid is miserable all summer.
YES! OMG! I hate it when parents force their children play sports. Expose them, see what happens and if they even like it. But make them play competitive team sports? Hell no.

And, unfortunately, sometimes it's merely a parent wanting to live vicariously through their child.

flan

FNW · Guru

flan327 wrote:
FNW wrote:
huskerbb wrote:
Tinydancer wrote:
huskerbb wrote:
Tinydancer wrote:
huskerbb wrote:
I'm not saying the kid always gets their way.

"I don't want to go to church?"

"Duly noted, get in the car."

However, the sports one is a good example. Are you going to make them go out for soccer if they prefer softball? Really?
As a parent that is their decision so it really doesn't matter what you or flan think.
Absurd. Plus, I'm asking YOU.
What's absurd? I already said that I would take my childs thoughts into consideration but I am not the parent of every child. Are you trying to argue that other parents can't decide for their own children? Now that's absurd...lol
no, I'm saying that they are not reasonble parents. We've all seen bad parents. The ones who make their kid play baseball when they can't hit a lick and the kid is miserable all summer.
YES! OMG! I hate it when parents force their children play sports. Expose them, see what happens and if they even like it. But make them play competitive team sports? Hell no.
And, unfortunately, sometimes it's merely a parent wanting to live vicariously through their child.
flan

Yep.

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

huskerbb wrote:
just Czech wrote:
Oh good grief. Common sense would be helpful. Every parent makes a judgment call when it comes to their kid and the child's age pertaining to ALL activities. Sometimes the parents answer is "no" and sometimes the answer is "yes".
Eleven year olds do have opinions and can make a good argument for or against something he/she does/doesn't want to do. It's called "growing up".
Weigh it and go from there.
Exactly. Finally a voice of reason.

THANK YOU.

flan

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

FNW wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
FNW wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
FNW wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
huskerbb wrote:
I'm not saying the kid always gets their way.

"I don't want to go to church?"

"Duly noted, get in the car."

However, the sports one is a good example. Are you going to make them go out for soccer if they prefer softball? Really?
No - I already said that. I told my kid she had to pick a sport - but let her choose which one. How is that unreasonable parenting?
Sooo.....what if they don't want ANY sport? You assume they will sit and watch TV all day, because they would be happy with that. If they do, that's on you, not them. Put them to work or do something with them.
So, make them do housework instead of a sport? Yeah, much better. And I WORK full time - I don't have the luxury of spending hours a day exercising my children like dogs.
I work full-time, too. And I'll bet I have quite a few years on you.
Requiring children to contribute to the household chores is not exercising them like dogs. Teaching them to make beds, do laundry, prune bushes (properly), take out the trash, load/unload the dishwasher, cook, etc. That's teaching them to grow into independent individuals who can take care of themselves. A lot more useful than growing up to sit on the couch with one hand in their pants reminiscing about their heyday playing high school football a la Al Bundy.
You talk a lot in absolutes. My kids have chores. But they also have time for everything else, including sports.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm taking the kids to the zoo. I took the day off to do it. And then, when we get back, DD12 has a tennis match. Amazing, we can do both.
Spend the day walking around the zoo then go play tennis? This is exactly what I'm talking about when I referenced parents over- filling their children's schedule. Hell, I'm tired just thinking about it. I hope she gets to relax and watch a little TV when she gets home.

She relaxed all morning, and is still going strong right now after ALL that horrible exercise I MADE her do, tyvm.

NAOW · Vette's SS

Lawyerlady wrote:
FNW wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
FNW wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
FNW wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
huskerbb wrote:
I'm not saying the kid always gets their way.

"I don't want to go to church?"

"Duly noted, get in the car."

However, the sports one is a good example. Are you going to make them go out for soccer if they prefer softball? Really?
No - I already said that. I told my kid she had to pick a sport - but let her choose which one. How is that unreasonable parenting?
Sooo.....what if they don't want ANY sport? You assume they will sit and watch TV all day, because they would be happy with that. If they do, that's on you, not them. Put them to work or do something with them.
So, make them do housework instead of a sport? Yeah, much better. And I WORK full time - I don't have the luxury of spending hours a day exercising my children like dogs.
I work full-time, too. And I'll bet I have quite a few years on you.
Requiring children to contribute to the household chores is not exercising them like dogs. Teaching them to make beds, do laundry, prune bushes (properly), take out the trash, load/unload the dishwasher, cook, etc. That's teaching them to grow into independent individuals who can take care of themselves. A lot more useful than growing up to sit on the couch with one hand in their pants reminiscing about their heyday playing high school football a la Al Bundy.
You talk a lot in absolutes. My kids have chores. But they also have time for everything else, including sports.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm taking the kids to the zoo. I took the day off to do it. And then, when we get back, DD12 has a tennis match. Amazing, we can do both.
Spend the day walking around the zoo then go play tennis? This is exactly what I'm talking about when I referenced parents over- filling their children's schedule. Hell, I'm tired just thinking about it. I hope she gets to relax and watch a little TV when she gets home.
She relaxed all morning, and is still going strong right now after ALL that horrible exercise I MADE her do, tyvm.

Wow. If two things in one day is considered over filled schedule my kids wouldn't be able to do any activities at all.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

It's spring break, for heaven's sake.

And yes, if 2 activities exhaust a kid, they are not in very good shape. After all, going to school all day takes energy, and anything else would be a 2nd activity. They would have to do NOTHING after school and a bike ride but lie around and rest.

-- Edited by Lawyerlady on Thursday 7th of April 2016 09:58:49 PM

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Oh, and no, she didn't watch TV when she got home. She played board games. I better go see if she needs smelling salts to make it to her bed.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

huskerbb wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
The experience of playing a sport is part of a well rounded childhood. Do they have to play something they hate? NO. Do they have to play forever? NO. But they have to try new things and try to find something they like.
Yet if the child wants to play and the parents say no--the child's thoughts on it are to be ignored. Got it.

My child's first choice of a sport to play - LACROSSE. Yeah, right. The only lacrosse for kids her age is an hour away just for practice. That does not fit our life and she had to choose something else.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

FNW wrote:
flan327 wrote:
FNW wrote:
huskerbb wrote:
Tinydancer wrote:
huskerbb wrote:
Tinydancer wrote:
huskerbb wrote:
I'm not saying the kid always gets their way.

"I don't want to go to church?"

"Duly noted, get in the car."

However, the sports one is a good example. Are you going to make them go out for soccer if they prefer softball? Really?
As a parent that is their decision so it really doesn't matter what you or flan think.
Absurd. Plus, I'm asking YOU.
What's absurd? I already said that I would take my childs thoughts into consideration but I am not the parent of every child. Are you trying to argue that other parents can't decide for their own children? Now that's absurd...lol
no, I'm saying that they are not reasonble parents. We've all seen bad parents. The ones who make their kid play baseball when they can't hit a lick and the kid is miserable all summer.
YES! OMG! I hate it when parents force their children play sports. Expose them, see what happens and if they even like it. But make them play competitive team sports? Hell no.
And, unfortunately, sometimes it's merely a parent wanting to live vicariously through their child.
flan
Yep.

*eyeroll* I hate sports. I hate playing them and I hate watching them. Always have. But sports are good for kids for a multitude of reasons, and they are never going to know if they like them or are good at them unless they TRY them. And kids who regularly exercise as children and play sports regularly are more likely to exercise as adults. And GOOD exercise requires getting the heart rate up - something trimming bushes is unlikely to do.

chef · Guru

DS gets some choice in his activities. He gets input in meals and family activities. He gets to choose his outfits sometimes - depends on how quickly we have to get out the door. The older he gets, the more input he will have.

However, some things are non-negotiable and DH's and my word is law. When it's time to come in from the playground, it's time to come in period whether he likes it or not. When we're shopping and he wants to walk, he must hold onto the cart or hold one of our hands. When we're in the parking lot, he absolutely must hold our hand or he will get carried to the truck. Stuff like that.

Or take stuff like what's currently happening. He wants Cheez-its. He has been told that he must finish his dinner first. He put his dinner away. He still wants Cheez-its and he isn't getting any. He's mad but oh well. Snack foods don't replace meals in this house.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

lilyofcourse wrote:
The rule for sports, or any activity, they get a grace period.

Two to three practices or meetings.

If they want to quit at that point, they can.

But, any more than that and they finish the season/show/year. Whatever the duration.

Not raising quitters is important.

I personally disagree with that. First of all, as a coach, these are the kids that drag your team down. There is nothing more detrimental to a team than someone who doesn't care, who doesn't want to be there. Do us all a favor, if your kid doesn't want to play, then let him/her quit.

Also by forcing this you are discouraging your kid from trying new things. If you force them to keep doing things they find out they don't enjoy, they will just quit trying. I agree, there are some things you don't quit. Like, yeah, you signed up to help clean the church and pick up trash on the weekends for 4 weeks, so you are going to do that. But sports is a HOBBY. It isn't an obligation. They aren't going pro. It isnt' going to be their job. It is no different than any hobby such as painting or anything else. You do it because you want to.

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

chef wrote:
DS gets some choice in his activities. He gets input in meals and family activities. He gets to choose his outfits sometimes - depends on how quickly we have to get out the door. The older he gets, the more input he will have.

However, some things are non-negotiable and DH's and my word is law. When it's time to come in from the playground, it's time to come in period whether he likes it or not. When we're shopping and he wants to walk, he must hold onto the cart or hold one of our hands. When we're in the parking lot, he absolutely must hold our hand or he will get carried to the truck. Stuff like that.

Or take stuff like what's currently happening. He wants Cheez-its. He has been told that he must finish his dinner first. He put his dinner away. He still wants Cheez-its and he isn't getting any. He's mad but oh well. Snack foods don't replace meals in this house.

Thank you.

I thought this was just "Parenting 101."

Unless you are raising a robot, you WANT a child to be able to make decisions appropriate for his or her age.

flan

Tinydancer · Guru

Sure but you don't always agree to every decision they make.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

You are missing the point. Kids can have choices and opinions - on the things their parents allow them to. Even WHAT they get to decide is up to the parents.

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

Lawyerlady wrote:
You are missing the point. Kids can have choices and opinions - on the things their parents allow them to. Even WHAT they get to decide is up to the parents.

No, that IS the point.

Obviously some parents will be stricter than others.

flan

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

flan327 wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
You are missing the point. Kids can have choices and opinions - on the things their parents allow them to. Even WHAT they get to decide is up to the parents.
No, that IS the point.
Obviously some parents will be stricter than others.
flan

Then WHAT are you arguing about?

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Jesse just turned 19. If he had his way, he'd never leave his room.

I have to say, and I have his whole life, "we are doing x,y,z. Be ready and in the car in x minutes".

Now, he doesn't have to go every where, every time.

But at 11, if I said to do something, you did it.

Yes, choosing clothes and input on meals and activities are great. I encouraged that at a very young age.

But the final say on anything was mine.

If you let kids do what they want, when they want you have 8 year olds in pajamas, tutus, and rubber boots at school not doing their work or jumping off garages.

chef · Guru

Lawyerlady wrote:
You are missing the point. Kids can have choices and opinions - on the things their parents allow them to. Even WHAT they get to decide is up to the parents.

Yep.

We'll probably end doing what you did with your DD as far as sports is concerned. We want DS to participate in something. His choice as to what but something to build teamwork skills, etc.

We're planning on signing him for karate when he turns 3 since that's the earliest the dojos around here take sign ups. If he likes it, great! If not, we'll find something else. He's a very physical boy so I'm thinking he'll enjoy karate - especially when the dummy comes out for him to practice on!

DH really wants him to get into ice hockey. He'll probably enjoy that too.

FNW · Guru

The boys love taekwondo, chef. They do it a couple times a week. A lot of their friends from school go to the same place, so there's that, too.

I guess I don't see anything wrong with 8 year olds still in their pj's at noon once in awhile. I don't think sports are all that important.

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

lilyofcourse wrote:
Jesse just turned 19. If he had his way, he'd never leave his room.

I have to say, and I have his whole life, "we are doing x,y,z. Be ready and in the car in x minutes".

Now, he doesn't have to go every where, every time.

But at 11, if I said to do something, you did it.

Yes, choosing clothes and input on meals and activities are great. I encouraged that at a very young age.

But the final say on anything was mine.

If you let kids do what they want, when they want you have 8 year olds in pajamas, tutus, and rubber boots at school not doing their work or jumping off garages.

Has anyone here said that? I must have missed that post...

flan

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

FNW wrote:
The boys love taekwondo, chef. They do it a couple times a week. A lot of their friends from school go to the same place, so there's that, too.

I guess I don't see anything wrong with 8 year olds still in their pj's at noon once in awhile. I don't think sports are all that important.

Heck, I ran my errands, came home and put my pajamas back on!

DS1 was very picky about what he wore as a teen. He ONLY wore solid-color T-shirts. Not a problem.

flan

FNW · Guru

#1 prefers cotton twill pants, #2 prefers jeans. Neither like collared shirts, although there are times they are required to wear them. #1 prefers the same old worn thin socks. Slowly they are falling apart and are going in the trash, forcing him to wear newer socks.

#1 loves participating in sports. He is very, very competitive. #2, not so much. He'll play, because he wants to spend time with his brother, but doesn't really enjoy or care about sports all that much. No way in hell I would ever force him to play something just "because" it might be good for him.

Even as a child, I get winded running. No amount of training or practice changed that. And I've tried, consistently and persistently. Nope, not going to happen. #2 seems to have inherited this trait. So, no, I would never force him to participate in group sports.

And GOOD exercise requires getting the heart rate up - something trimming bushes is unlikely to do.

Obviously you have never pruned overgrown holly bushes or Eucalyptus trees.

Cheerios4606 · Guru

Shucks... I let my 11 yr old stay at home by himself.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

FNW wrote:
The boys love taekwondo, chef. They do it a couple times a week. A lot of their friends from school go to the same place, so there's that, too.

I guess I don't see anything wrong with 8 year olds still in their pj's at noon once in awhile. I don't think sports are all that important.

I have no idea where you get the idea that my kids don't get to do that. Making her play a sport does not preclude lazy days once in a while. If fact, it's 1:14 right now, and I'll bet my kids are still in their pajamas.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

FNW wrote:
#1 prefers cotton twill pants, #2 prefers jeans. Neither like collared shirts, although there are times they are required to wear them. #1 prefers the same old worn thin socks. Slowly they are falling apart and are going in the trash, forcing him to wear newer socks.

#1 loves participating in sports. He is very, very competitive. #2, not so much. He'll play, because he wants to spend time with his brother, but doesn't really enjoy or care about sports all that much. No way in hell I would ever force him to play something just "because" it might be good for him.

Even as a child, I get winded running. No amount of training or practice changed that. And I've tried, consistently and persistently. Nope, not going to happen. #2 seems to have inherited this trait. So, no, I would never force him to participate in group sports.

And GOOD exercise requires getting the heart rate up - something trimming bushes is unlikely to do.
Obviously you have never pruned overgrown holly bushes or Eucalyptus trees.

Actually, I have. It's not exactly aerobic.

huskerbb · Guru

Cheerios4606 wrote:
Shucks... I let my 11 yr old stay at home by himself.

Oh cripes, we did, too. 11 years old is old enough to babysit.

FNW · Guru

Lawyerlady wrote:
FNW wrote:
#1 prefers cotton twill pants, #2 prefers jeans. Neither like collared shirts, although there are times they are required to wear them. #1 prefers the same old worn thin socks. Slowly they are falling apart and are going in the trash, forcing him to wear newer socks.

#1 loves participating in sports. He is very, very competitive. #2, not so much. He'll play, because he wants to spend time with his brother, but doesn't really enjoy or care about sports all that much. No way in hell I would ever force him to play something just "because" it might be good for him.

Even as a child, I get winded running. No amount of training or practice changed that. And I've tried, consistently and persistently. Nope, not going to happen. #2 seems to have inherited this trait. So, no, I would never force him to participate in group sports.

And GOOD exercise requires getting the heart rate up - something trimming bushes is unlikely to do.
Obviously you have never pruned overgrown holly bushes or Eucalyptus trees.

Actually, I have. It's not exactly aerobic.

Put your back into it, girl!

Seriously, doing housework and yardwork, i.e., maintaining an active lifestyle is just as good for you as working out.

On a lighter note.....there's this: [video=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3509270/Mother-four-stays-fit-working-CHILDREN.html#v-9058960342554096787]