What do your middle school aged boys like to do by themselves?

[Mickey'snewestfan]

When we're home these days, if he isn't doing something I instigated, like his summer math packet, or walking the dog, or eating dinner together, all my 11 year old wants to do is watch TV, play on the Wii or go on the computer.

This year for the first time he won't be in aftercare, so he'll be home alone every day for a couple of hours, and of course there will also be times in the evening when we're home but I'm busy cooking dinner or doing the laundry of whatever. I'm sure that homework will fill a lot of that, but I'd love for him to find things he enjoys doing that aren't electronic media.

He does plenty of organized activities, right now he's in camp all day, and in the fall he'll have school and tae kwon do, and soccer, but I'd still like to see him have a hobby that isn't watching youtube.

Thoughts?

 

[Acklander]

Between school work, homework, scheduled activities, and times hanging with friends, a kid needs some "down time". Don't worry about filling every second of the day with stuff to do. It's nice to be able to turn the brain off for a little bit every day.

 

[minkydog]

but I'd still like to see him have a hobby that isn't watching youtube.

Thoughts?

Yeah.

 

[krcit]

I have to admit to laughing like a middle schooler when I read the thread title

Seriously though, I agree with Acklander. Between school, homework and sports, it's nice to just have some unscheduled time to chill.

 

[Buckalew11]

He could do like us and DIS. LMBO

 

[Hollywoodhaha]

I have to admit to laughing like a middle schooler when I read the thread title

Seriously though, I agree with Acklander. Between school, homework and sports, it's nice to just have some unscheduled time to chill.

Me too! I am a high schooler though.. I HAVE AN EXCUSE.

 

[Magic Mom]

That's the funniest thread title ever.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

OK, to be clear, I'm not looking for a hobby like "studying chess openings", I'm just looking for something that isn't TV/video games.

When he was younger he'd leaf through a kids' magazine or mix up "potions" in the kitchen by stirring together different types of juice and then drinking it, or he'd goof around on his skateboard, or wrestle the dog. I guess I do consider those thing down time.

So, if you have a middle schooler, other than things you make them do (e.g. walk the dog, take a shower, write your history paper) are they on the computer/TV/game system every single minute?

 

[TwinsinCA]

I have to admit to laughing like a middle schooler when I read the thread title

Seriously though, I agree with Acklander. Between school, homework and sports, it's nice to just have some unscheduled time to chill.

Ditto. Let the kid relax.

My mom used to get on my case because she felt I always needed to be "entertained" -- watching TV, listening to music, etc. I resented her trying to tell me what are "good" and "bad" ways to relax. Your interests are what they are. Trying to make his downtime more productive in some way will only frustrate both of you.

 

[Magic Mom]

Every kid has different interests. Ask him what he would like to do besides video games and TV.

 

[Tinkermommy]

OK, I admit that my mind went in the wrong direction when I read this thread title!

Between school and sports he won't have a ton of down time, so I would let him spend it as he liked. As long as his grades are good and he's physically active I don't think I would pressure him to find another hobby.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

OK, to be clear, I'm not looking for a hobby like "studying chess openings", I'm just looking for something that isn't TV/video games.

When he was younger he'd leaf through a kids' magazine or mix up "potions" in the kitchen by stirring together different types of juice and then drinking it, or he'd goof around on his skateboard, or wrestle the dog. I guess I do consider those thing down time.

So, if you have a middle schooler, other than things you make them do (e.g. walk the dog, take a shower, write your history paper) are they on the computer/TV/game system every single minute?

I don't know what you expect them to do.

If my 12 yo isn't doing homework, playing sports or hanging out with friends yes he is watching TV or playing his video games. Everyonce in a while like 3-4 times a week, he'll read for a couple hours. I consider his video games like my Dis time. Its a time to relax and unwind. Kids need that too.

 

[rszdtrvl]

My son is 13 and this summer he :

Watches YouTube and MTV online (he discovered Beavis and Bu**head and loves them - I don't care as I watched them as a kid and turned out okay)

Goes to the YMCA

Plays Legos (currently doing that)

Plays Wii (he loves Rock Band)

 

[busyshrew]

Okay, I'm with all the other pp's .....

 

[~disneydiva~]

Glad I'm not the only one...

 

[Heidict]

Love the title!!

 

[marcyinPA]

OK, I admit that my mind went in the wrong direction when I read this thread title!

Between school and sports he won't have a ton of down time, so I would let him spend it as he liked. As long as his grades are good and he's physically active I don't think I would pressure him to find another hobby.

Ok, me too! I have a middle schooler and a high schooler...both boys...

Anywho, I digress....

My son is 11, and will be staying home for about five hours in row just a day or two this summer. I actually have a list of things for him to do. I try to plan to have a clean dishwasher for those days, so he'll have dishes to put away. He needs to straighten his room and make his bed. He has to read for a minimum of 30 minutes. He has to do 3 pages of a division facts workbook (needed help in this area in 5th grade). He has thank you notes to finish writing. He needs to play with TOYS for at least an hour of his time (doesn't have to be all in a row... but no electronics. He likes wrestling action figures, so he'd probably play with them anyway). Once he's accomplished his list, he is allowed to play 1/2 hour of Wii or PS2, and watch t.v. I do not allow computer (internet) when I'm not home. I also don't allow him to go outside when he's home alone. Soooo, once I get home, I make him go outside, ride his bike, call a friend to go to the park, shoot hoops, etc.

Luckily, he's not home alone often.

 

[Junebugwv]

Does he like legos? My DS13 still enjoys them, but he makes scenes and videotapes them, frame-by-frame and makes movies. He has learned how to edit and put it on the computer with sound effects. When he was 11 he really enjoyed the little skateboards that you used with your fingers. He had ramps and everything.

We had a desktop computer that was not connected to the internet. All 4 of our boys loved to play the Age of Empires series. Very educational and challenging. Our DS17 won 2nd place this year in a national World Geography competition and credits his years of playing Age of Empires for getting him interested in Geography.

 

[Planogirl]

You guys are so funny.

Mine has always had activities, homework and lots of school time. He reads a lot too. I let him do what he wishes (within reason) the rest of the time. If I can be on this PC a bit much he can play his video games.

 

[sunnyday123]

Yeah.

Well OP, considering a previous thread, I'd make sure there are some parental blocks on your internet access....