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Forcing exercise?

NAS75635

Hi,

Should I force my daughter to exercise?

My high functioning 11 yr old daughter used to have swimming lessons but hated going as part of a group.

An orthopedic surgeon told me that she should swim during her teenage years because it is good for her back development.

I told her that as an alternate she can swim lengths with me on the weekend- she could do one or the other at her choice.

She is now refusing to swim with me on the weekend and I dont know whether to insist or not or just put her back in the group lesson for not playing her part of the bargain.

I just do not know what to do anymore.

If we do not go then apart from school and meal times, she does not leave her bedroom at all.

Any thoughts??

 thank you.

Parents
  • NAS75635 said:
    An orthopedic surgeon told me that she should swim during her teenage years because it is good for her back development.

    Sounds like the orthopedic surgeon hasn't considered body image issues with teen and preteen girls. If your daughter is autistic she will already be stingingly aware that she doesn't fit in socially and anything else that makes her feel self concious is going to be anathema. And being in a pool is to be practically naked in public, not only is that awful with a bunch of people you barely if at all get on with it's extra embarrasing to have to do with your Dad there regardless of who the potential audience is.
    Tight swimming suits, echoing location, and eye burning chlorine is a sensory nightmare too. TBH speaking as an autist with high sensory issues if I were your daughter I would wonder why you insist on torturing me and wonder what I ever did to deserve that kind of punishment as to be forced into a swimming pool.

    If she has a healthy BMI exercise isn't even necessary, if exercise is needed you need to change the sport/activity to one she's more interested in and involves wearing actual clothing. Let her pick it.

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  • NAS75635 said:
    An orthopedic surgeon told me that she should swim during her teenage years because it is good for her back development.

    Sounds like the orthopedic surgeon hasn't considered body image issues with teen and preteen girls. If your daughter is autistic she will already be stingingly aware that she doesn't fit in socially and anything else that makes her feel self concious is going to be anathema. And being in a pool is to be practically naked in public, not only is that awful with a bunch of people you barely if at all get on with it's extra embarrasing to have to do with your Dad there regardless of who the potential audience is.
    Tight swimming suits, echoing location, and eye burning chlorine is a sensory nightmare too. TBH speaking as an autist with high sensory issues if I were your daughter I would wonder why you insist on torturing me and wonder what I ever did to deserve that kind of punishment as to be forced into a swimming pool.

    If she has a healthy BMI exercise isn't even necessary, if exercise is needed you need to change the sport/activity to one she's more interested in and involves wearing actual clothing. Let her pick it.

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