Any advice about DS(8) who says No to everything but Minecraft!

(9 Posts)
missmoffatt2705 Sat 22-Mar-14 21:18:58

We have 2 sons, 8 and 10. DS1 is enthusiastic about most things, has a few hobbies and is open to trying new things and is 'a pleasure to teach' so says his teacher. DS2 tried skating a couple of times but didn't like it. He was sent off the Judo mat today for poor listening - he likes bits of Judo but given the choice would not go at all. He has tried after school football and tag rugby and was not enthusiastic about either sport. He also does Cubs and swimming lessons and is luke- warm about Cubs, slightly more enthusiastic about swimming.His name is on the waiting list for school guitar lessons but realistically, will not get a place till September.
His default position is No, I don't want to go to Judo etc. He is often grumpy and seems to have a much more negative attitude/mindset than his brother. We despair of finding a hobby that he will enjoy - when I asked him what he would like to do, he suggested American Football although he knows nothing about it and we would struggle to find coaching locally.He is doing well at school but the teacher also talks of his moods.He is loving and comes to ask for hugs regularly - I guess I am asking has anyone got any words of advice - is this just how he is, how can we help him etc?

Innogen Sun 23-Mar-14 01:36:40

Ruby as an alternative to American football?

Innogen Sun 23-Mar-14 01:36:48


ds is all about minecraft now, I have to be honest it has got to the point that with the three of the dc playing/talking about I do now say right I don't want to hear minecraft chat right now. he doesnt do any clubs but we do go swimming which he enjoys. he would rather play out than go to an organised club which I accept. but he doesn't get to do minecraft and nothing else. I think it does make a difference to your mood to be honest being busy and active so when it is possible I will say right we are going to the park/dog walk. they spend a lot of time on the trampoline when the weather is okay does he enjoy anything like that. it's hard isn't it trying to find a balance.

BackforGood Mon 24-Mar-14 14:52:42

Do you limit the Minecraft / screen time?
I mean if the choice is between judo and minecraft, and he likes minecraft, then he's going to choose minecraft, but if the choice is between judo, or sitting bored at the side of the lesson while you wait for his brother, or even being bored at home with nothing to do, then, the judo becomes more attractive.

ContentedSidewinder Tue 25-Mar-14 19:15:12

I have an almost 11 and an almost 8 year old and they are Minecraft obsessed! But we have 2 days in the school week when they aren't allowed on it and we limit their time to 1 hour on the week days that they are on it.

To be honest, they talk about it non-stop but they are constantly learning new things and have been for a year. They even watch YouTube videos on Minecraft. It has been likened to a modern day Lego and the free format (no story line to follow) means they have to use their imagination.

My two only do karate but they play chess, board games together, games using their imagination and watch Pokemon too.

At the end of the day they are happy kids. They come home and do their homework, then they go on Minecraft. Just like I am happy on MN and other people don't get that.

As long as he isn't being allowed to spend every waking minute on Minecraft I can't really see the problem. I can't understand why he needs to go guitar or judo if he isn't that bothered about them. He is only 8, there is plenty of time to get passionate about something other than Minecraft.

bella1968 Wed 26-Mar-14 13:46:34

my two both 10 are minecraft crazy too, son more than daughter but both like playing with each other on it. Once the ipod is out of charge it's time to put it away though. TV and ipods are great whilst you get a lie in, once everyone is around though we do other stuff, help me in the kitchen, bike rides, playing ball in the driveway, cycling round the block, seeing friends, frisbee in the park. They also go to a youth club twice a week, he has scouts and she has guides, only leaves Thursday that they are not doing anything.

You have to sign them up for something or stop them and take them with you doing family things or playing games etc, make them see there's life out there as well as minecraft.

good luck.

bella1968 Wed 26-Mar-14 13:51:31

although......... sounds a bit like my son, I've had him trying everything we can afford and he's like that not interested. As long as you get him trying it then if he doesn't want to go that's ok, but later (having him tried it and had the experience) you might find he wants to go back and do it and because it's his decision he'll love it. You have to take their lead on extra curricular activities to be honest. As long as you are all doing activities as a family, e.g. swimming, cycling, park walks, games etc then it should be ok for him to have a play on his game a little every day dependent upon how much free time he has v how much time you'd prefer he was playing his game.

Hope that's helpful. smile

Mitzi50 Wed 26-Mar-14 13:52:29

Remove whatever he plays mine craft on. After a couple of weeks return it with strict limit on screen time.

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