Getting Your Teens Involved When They Don't Like Sports

If your teen isn’t interested in sports—or he’s unable to play for one reason or another—it’s important to keep him involved in some type of after-school activity. Teens have a lot of free time outside of school and after-school activities keep them physically, mentally, and socially active.

Here are some healthy alternatives for teens who don't want to be involved in traditional sports.

A part-time job provides teens with a multitude of benefits. In addition to the money your teen will earn, a job teaches a variety of life skills. A working teen will also have an opportunity to gain more responsibility and it can help prepare your child for life after high school.

Our digital world has led to a decline in hobbies for teens. But a teen who finds an interesting hobby won’t ever be bored and their interests often carry into adulthood. Encourage your teen to explore a variety of interests. A creative hobby could include activities like sewing, building robots, and woodworking.

If your teen isn’t interested in traditional sports, explore alternative ways for your teen to get plenty of exercise. Biking, dancing, martial arts, horseback riding, and skateboarding are just a few activities that may interest a teen who isn’t interested in an organized team sport. If your teen isn't interested in joining an official activity that involves exercise, encourage your teen to go for a walk each day.

There are lots of after-school opportunities for artistic teens. Consider signing your teen up for acting classes or music lessons. If your teen is interested in painting, drawing, or sculpting, look for classes that could enhance your child’s skills. A teen who enjoys writing may be able to enter poetry contests or take community writing classes.

Encourage your teen to look into after-school clubs. Most schools offer anything from chess clubs to foreign language clubs. If there aren't any school clubs that interest your teen, explore community organizations. Consider a variety of civic organizations—like Scouting and 4-H—and religious activities—like youth group—that may be of interest to your teen.

Many successful entrepreneurs started their first business during their teen years. There are lots of part-time businesses teens can start with little or no start-up costs. Whether your teen wants to mow lawns or walk dogs, a small business can be a great opportunity for a budding entrepreneur.

There are always lots of volunteer opportunities for teens. And many of them don’t require a long-term regular commitment. Reading to children at a library, walking dogs at the shelter, or growing vegetables to donate to a soup kitchen are just a few ways many teens are choosing to make a difference.

Create a rule that your teen needs to be involved in at least one activity. If he’s not going to play sports, encourage him to find something else to keep him busy when he’s not in school. Active teens are less likely to get into trouble and they can use their time to gain skills that will help them in the future, as well as to give back to their communities.