I'm Worried About My Kid...

My son now 3 1/2 was afraid to try new things. I think part of it is being an only child. I would take my son to the inflatable slide/jump place on the day that they only allow toddlers. It took a couple of times with me working with him and playing with him to move on to a bigger slide or jumping area but it really helped that there were no big kids to run him over. He would build up confidence slowly but it paid off. He is still causious (sp?) but has learned not to be so afraid to try new things. Growing up a shy child myself, I feel it is important to teach them to fight their fears.

Rashmi,
I wouldn't worry. I'd keep offering him the opportunity to play, go to the park, etc... but it just may be his personality. One of my children loves sports, shooting hoops, frisbee, etc... The other could care less. He'd rather do all the things your son is doing. He is almost ready to go to college now. He is very creative and artistic. I just think different people are wired differently and sometimes from birth. As he got older, however, I did require he work out on the treadmill, etc... so that he got exercise. Just take your little guy for walks with you, but don't be surprised if he is more interested in the rocks and sticks on the ground along the way.

This sounds just like my son except he does like to play outside, but he is afraid of new things and does a lot of puzzles, reading, tv, etc. My son is almost 5 and has gotten much better in the last year or so about trying something new. I think as your son matures and you don't push, but encourage, he will want to try new things. I agree with the mom who suggested walking with your son. I make my son go on "nature walks" with me whenever the weather is nice outside. He doesn't get a choice because being active is good for everyone. We look at the clouds and bugs and try to spot airplanes to make the walk more fun. Even though everyone needs exercise, your son may not be an athlete someday. Everyone is different.

If he is doing everything developmentally appropriate for his age, then I don't think you need to worry. Many children are cautious or shy, it's just their personality. And this may change over time as he grows more secure. He's only 3 so there's no need to push. As far as sports go, he's he's a bit young but you might try something like a gym class. My son was not into the team sports but loves gymnastics and swimming.
Good luck!

Exercise is important for everyone. Take him on a daily nature walk. The two of you can exercise together and explore. Take a digital camera, let him take pictures, and at home he can paint the different species of birds, plants, wildlife, etc. that were discovered. Bring home leaves and do leaf rubbings. Collect rocks. You can explore different parks and nature trails, as well as your own neighborhood. Count the number of birds you see, find things that begin with the letter A. Race to the next object of interest, help him climb a tree, dig for an earthworm, swing on a swing and feel the wind on his face, go fishing, look for shapes in the clouds. When he starts feeling safer in these activities bring a friend of his along.

Regarding developing an interest in music, we would listen to classical music and make up a story with the tempo of the music. My children both love music and have fond memories of our stories. I would also surprise them and turn on the stereo LOUD, they would come running and we would dance around the house together.

My son was very much like yours and we had to be creative and help him discover how fun it is to try new things and explore and investigate God's world. He never did care for organized sports, but he did try it. He is now very scientific, very creative (enrolled in College and entrapeneur in graphic arts), but he also likes long boarding, golfing, fishing, playing in a band, and other activities. First, we had to show him how much fun it could be, plus it was great bonding time for us as a family.

I agree with poster LL.... if he's on track developmentally don't worry.

You only have one child so you may not realize how different your own flesh & blood can be from you and of course, others. But once you have more than one child you realize that they are their own people from day one!

I would not worry. My older son was the same way and he still is at 16. Everyone is different and some folks are just happy with quieter, less physical activities. Having a second son that is "all boy" as they say, that never sits still and ALWAYS wants to be playing ball, I can see that my first son is such a blessing in disguise. My older son did end up playing on a soccer team and baseball starting around age 7 and has always liked those activities, but he will never be a top athlete - he just enjoys being with his friends. But, to this day, my older son could literally spend all day reading, playing on his computer, etc. Whereas, my younger son (now 13) is constantly wanting to go out and play ball and he really has a strong need to do so. Fortunately, he's very involved in sports at school.

That all said, I do personally believe that everyone, even we adults, need a lifelong physical activity that we enjoy. For me, it's cycling, so I did get both my sons on bikes at an early age (and actually in the burley from 4 weeks - in the infant seat for safety!). So, it sounds like you're headed the right direction with the running, playing ball, etc. But, maybe something different might work like cycling, or just plan a daily walk (a somewhat more sedentary activity) to a nearby park to show him (rather than tell him) that it's important to be outside some. And, dedicating a certain time or portion of the day for "exercise" might be helpful - even if you're doing yoga or pilates and he's just rolling around on the floor.

I don't know really what to tell you. My daughter was a lot like that. Not the sick part just the quiet part. She is almost 20 years old now and was always that way. I put her in classes like ballet, skating, tumbling but she never wanted to do it when she was old enough to express her desires. She never even wanted to ride her bike even when she finally learned at around 8 and we got her a new bike she never rode it. She has been very shy most of her life. She has come out of it a lot since she had to work. I ask her now if she feels she missed a lot and she really dose not have any regrets.
Lonie

He is only 3 -- perhaps he would prefer a nature walk with you, a swim, or just a trip to the playground with you playing with him. I think it is wonderful that your three year old has the attention span to enjoy those activities (well, not the T.V., lol). Perhaps you could relate a walk to a book he enjoys. He could find something that relates to the book, and then go home and paint a picture of it. Chances are, if he sees you having fun and being part of the fun, he will be more likely to join in. you may want to make the physical part somewhat short, and ask him, "do you want to do this more, or go home?" Then acknowledge his decision. Over time, increase the time span from the start of the activity - to when you pose the question. Of course, if he ever says he has had enough, honor that - and maybe race him back home! Fun is the key -- but also recognizing his level of enjoyment. Yes, young children explore, your child may have another way of learning about the world and how his body moves.

Have fun!
S.

have you tried putting some music on and dancing hopping skipping around the living room with him? also you could play somehing like red light green light or simon says with him... him seeing you do it too may help and be a positive experience for him.