MIDDLE CHILDHOOD

I Don't Like Sports!

Dr. Smith encourages Alex's parents to be positive role models for Alex by participating in physical activity themselves.

Alex, a 10-year-old boy, is seeing Dr. Smith for a physical examination. Dr. Smith asks Alex if he participates in physical activity or sports. Alex replies, "I don't like sports!" His parents explain, "Alex would rather play inside with his cars and trucks, watch TV, or play computer games. He tried basketball last year but couldn't keep up with the other kids."

Dr. Smith performs a complete physical examination and reviews Alex's medical history, growth, and development. She reassures Alex's parents that their son is healthy and has no medical or physical conditions that would prevent him from participating in physical activity.

Dr. Smith also reassures Alex's parents that some boys develop motor skills more slowly than other boys their age. She explains that children grow at different rates and that some of Alex's 10-year-old friends may be entering puberty, even though Alex hasn't yet. Dr. Smith says that Alex's temporary physical disadvantage should not be misinterpreted as a lack of skill or ability. She emphasizes that it is important for Alex's parents to encourage him when he gets frustrated with physical activity.

Dr. Smith says that Alex may have a more positive experience if he tries activities with less emphasis on size (e.g., racquet sports, martial arts, running, wrestling), noncompetitive activities, and activities such as walking, hiking, biking, skating, and swimming. Dr. Smith explains that many of these activities can be done together as a family and can be sustained throughout life.

Dr. Smith encourages Alex's parents to be positive role models for Alex by participating in physical activity themselves. She advises them to limit the amount of time Alex spends watching television and videotapes and playing computer games to 1 to 2 hours a day, and to designate a specific period of time for physical activities that Alex enjoys.

Dr. Smith helps the family identify physical activities that Alex likes and is willing to try, and activities that Alex and his parents can do together. Dr. Smith indicates that she will follow up on these activities at Alex's next visit.

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