How does one go about motivating their teenager into try something new besides sitting around all day? I am having a hard time with my youngest (16 year old). She sometimes shows interest in dancing and getting fit but most the time she sits around doing nothing or playing with her cell phone. I tried to get her to sign up for dance, fitness and even swimming classes but she tells me she don't want to because she will feel uncomfortable doing these activities around other people. I've even talked to her about private lessons and she still don't want to give it a try. Any suggestions?

]P.S. I had no problem with her three older siblings. They're on their own and still enjoy trying new activities.

For me what is working is just being the example.MY kids are younger than yours my oldest is 12. She is getting that joyous teenage attitude but she is now wanting to exercise with us because all of the kids can see the positive change in us.

The best thing to do to get your teens motivated is to do things with them. Take them places, have them help you do things, talk to them about whatever. Eventually, they will want to do more with you (like ride bikes or go for walks) and then they will do more on their own. My guess is that your daughter doesn't really know what she is interested in yet. The kids today aren't the kids of yesterday and often they have to be directed to find a way in a life that has few delays in pleasure. Maybe you and your daughter can do a class together at the gym or even the library. That's a place to start.

It's all about the FUN FACTOR!!!
I try to play some type of game with them, where we incorporate some type of exercises into the game, so they don't really think about the actual exercises they are doing, they are just thinking about the game that we are playing.
I like to just get outside with them, run around, do any type of movement activities.
THE KEY IS MOVEMENT AND HAVING FUN!
Alot of young kids don't like to be thrown in some fitness class, especially with older people, it just does not appeal to them, and it can be very intimidating to them.
So i think we need to do more with them as far as MOVING, just get outside and do anything with them as long as they are moving!!!

I agree with DUDE. Just keep setting the example and it will work out fine.
Mark

I appreciate everyone's inputs. I too agree that living the example is the most influential thing a parent can do. However, after reading what you guys wrote it seems to me that actually participating with my daughter may have an effect 10-times more than living the example alone. Thanks!!

I wish you all a great transformation.

Brian

Brian- I try the best I can by leading by example. I have two great kids - whom reach for the stars - that I am very proud of. Never any trouble and they are very goal oriented. My son just finished finals this week and is home and is in his room working till 1 AM. What an attitude. Don't be a helicopter parent. I have seen it and it drives me nuts. Sarcasm and yelling doesn't work.

This evening while talking to my daughter before working on my upper body weight training she told me that she has been riding the stationary bike and doing situps over the past few days. She said, "Dad, now you can quit bugging me." My reply was I wouldn't be dad if I quit trying to encourage you. She agreed.

Her words were encouraging to me knowing that my example is starting to pay off. More important to me than my own transformation is to finally see my children transform their lives before they end up 40+ years old and out of shape like me.