I feel like he needs to move around a little more because sometimes I see him very tired without doing anything, just watching videos or playing on the tablet. I thought about getting him into soccer or swimming, but every time I mention something to him, he looks grumpy. This weekend I want to try again. Take him to see a game or try a class to see if he’s interested in something or if I just have to find another way for him to exercise
Ugh, same. My 6 year old would be glued to the tablet 24/7 if I let him. I totally get the frustration because I feel like screens just drain their energy instead of helping them relax. I tried soccer too, and he hated it. The first few practices were basically me bribing him to even put on the cleats. What actually worked was letting him pick a physical activity that felt fun instead of like a sport. He’s now obsessed with ninja warrior, style obstacle courses, which he thinks are just playtime, but it gets him moving. Maybe something less structured could work? Trampoline park? Skating? Even a scavenger hunt outside?
Omg, I feel you. It’s so hard when you know they need to move, but they just want to be on a screen all day. And then they’re cranky, and you’re like, well, maybe if you got up and DID something, you’d feel better! But try saying that to a 6-year-old without getting an eye roll. 
I don’t have any magic solutions, but I just wanted to say you’re not alone. If you find something that works, let me know, because I’m in the exact same boat
Been there, done that, and honestly, the key was making it their idea. When my son was 6, I tried pushing team sports, and it was a disaster. What worked was letting him watch cool YouTube videos of kids doing parkour, skateboarding, and bmx tricks, things that made movement look fun, not forced. Then, when he showed interest, I casually mentioned, Hey, wanna try that? Worked like a charm.
Also, I had to meet him halfway on screen time. I made a deal: 30 minutes of playing outside = 30 minutes of screen time. No lecture, no nagging, just a simple agreement. It was slow at first, but now it’s just routine. Might be worth a try?
I’ve got an 7 year old now, but when he was 6, it was a constant battle between screens and real-world activities. What I’ve learned is that forcing sports almost never works. Instead, I started framing it as let’s go try something new rather than “you have to do a sport.” We did mini golf, hiking, karate trials, even just races at the playground. No pressure, just exposure. Eventually, he found his thing (basketball), but it took time.
Also, don’t underestimate the power of play over exercise. Running around with friends at the park? That’s movement. Playing tag in the backyard? Movement. Even dancing around the living room counts. If soccer/swimming doesn’t click, try thinking outside the box. He’ll find his thing eventually!
This is such a struggle in my house too! I swear screens just zap all their motivation, but when I try to take them away, it’s a meltdown. Have you noticed if he likes more independent activities or social ones? My son refuses team sports but loves climbing and running when he’s just playing with friends. Maybe the trick is finding what motivates him? Curious to hear how your weekend plan goes!
Totally get it, and honestly, it’s a battle in so many households right now. One thing that worked for us was setting clear rules around screen time and movement. We started a 30-30-30 rule:
30 mins of screens = 
30 mins of movement = 
30 mins of reading.
It made expectations clear and cut down the constant arguments.
Also, some kids just don’t like structured sports! Have you tried something like martial arts or gymnastics? They’re great because kids can progress at their own pace, no pressure from a team, and they still get a TON of movement. Might be worth looking into!