5 year old with no athletic ability

anonymous

New member
HI,My son is 5 with cf. He has almost no athletic ability. When he played basket ball last fall he would come home crying and asking me if I still loved him if he did not get a basket. It was horrible. He likes sports but doesn't want to try anything he is not good at. I know exercise is very important for him. Does anyone have any advise?Denise
 

anonymous

New member
Some starters, after-dinner family walks will. A little dog or cat to walk... Just some ideas, I am not sure if it will help you or not adn I don't have CF, my hubbie does-but I remember and cherished my "after-dinner" family walks which we did from when i was about 3-11. Now my husband and I do it every night with out dogs. Julie (wife to Mark 24 w/CF)
 

cfmomma

New member
My son is also 5 and he gets frustruated if he doesn't do something right. He is not in an organized sport, such as basketball or soccer, but probably will in the fall. Exercise is so important, and even more so for those with CF. Has he tried other sports, and if so did he quit because he was frustruated? He is still so young that he has plenty of time to find what he is good at and loves. He may do better in a noncompetitive sport. You may have to "sneak" exercise in, like Julie's suggestion with the family walk--it will be good for all of you. My son never showed any interest in soccer but he loves to swim and it has boosted his self-confidence.
 
L

luke

Guest
Anonymous, Does your son have someone to teach him how to play basketball? My mother was overprotective growing and I wan't allowed to play any sport other than basketball. I wasn't very good either to begin with and am not the best now, but as cheesy as it sounds basketball has always been there for me. When I was going through my severe depression(thank you prednisone) the only comfort I had was a basketball. When I feel to bad to run or lift I always feel good enough to play a game of hoops. I often times think that basketball has aided in my "good" health. With all that being said, I guess my passion may not be your sons. But team sports are great in building relationships and character. Maybe try T-ball, swimming, or gymnastics. I think the key for you is to make sure he has enough fun that he wants to play. So whatever works, happy hunting!luke 29/cf
 

miesl

New member
Hmmm, has he tried running? I know it's not the most fun sport ever (I hate it, but I do it anyway with my bf), but it really seems to help with keeping my bf's lungs clear.Invest in a stopwatch (or two). When we started running last year, we really sucked. In order to keep ourselves motivated, we bought two stopwatches. He kept one with him to time how long he ran (stopping the time when he walked), and I had the other to time how long we were out running. We made a little graph showing how his ratio of running/walking was improving over time. It was really motivating to see that he was improving. (My ability varies day-to-day, with the good and bad asthma days).Also, I know it sounds like a crazy sport, but we go rock climbing a few times a week. There are lots of indoor climbing gyms around, and it's fun. <a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.rockclimbing.com/">http://www.rockclimbing.com/</a> lists gyms in different parts of the country. It might be fun to check one out.
 

anonymous

New member
Thanks for all of the ideas<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I will try the family walk out.
 

JazzysMom

New member
Have you been told that your sons motor skills are hindered? If so/not that might discourage him from wanting to try things. Working with him in the "comfort" of your own family until he is more comfortable or able to play sports with others is a good idea. Just to get his body & mind going together.
 

thefrogprincess

New member
I would let him try as many sports as he wants until he finds something he likes. Maybe he just doen't have good cooridination in his upper body, try soccer. Also what kid doesn't like riding his bike or skateboard? Sure he needs exerise but it doesn't have to be a team sport.
 
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