| It's no secret that today's generation of kids is more | | | | a windy day and take turns holding the string as you |
| sedentary than past generations. Many children today | | | | watch the kite glide across the sky. |
| spend a huge chunk of time sitting in front of | | | | GIVE KIDS MORE OPTIONS |
| televisions, computers, and video games. Physical | | | | Kids are more likely to go outside and play if they |
| education programs are being cut in schools across | | | | have more options. They won't get bored if you |
| the country as schools try to squeeze in more time | | | | install a basketball hoop on the driveway, put a |
| for academics. How can a parent encourage their | | | | soccer net in the backyard or string a volleyball net |
| children to become more active? | | | | across your pool. Invite other kids in the |
| I believe that parents are fitness role models for | | | | neighborhood over for a friendly game of basketball |
| their children. If kids see their parents enjoying an | | | | or soccer. |
| active lifestyle, they are more likely to be active | | | | GO CAMPING TOGETHER |
| themselves. So if you retire to the couch after dinner | | | | Taking a camping trip together is a great way to |
| and lie around all evening watching sitcoms, don't be | | | | jump start your new active lifestyle together. Go for |
| surprised if you kids are couch potatoes too. Here | | | | a long hike in the woods and take pictures of the |
| are some suggestions of how you can get off the | | | | wildlife. You could also take your mountain bikes along |
| couch and encourage your family to live a more | | | | and ride on some trails. If your family likes the water, |
| active lifestyle. | | | | why not try a paddle boat or a canoe? |
| DO HOUSEHOLD CHORES TOGETHER | | | | TAKE A TRIP THAT INVOLVES WALKING |
| Instead of just asking your kids to clean their rooms, | | | | Instead of sitting home on the weekend watching |
| get them involved in more active household chores. | | | | TV, go on an outing together that involves a lot of |
| Go outside and rake leaves together or shovel snow | | | | walking. A visit to the zoo is a great way to combine |
| together in the winter. Younger kids can weed flower | | | | walking and fun. Kids won't even realize how much |
| gardens while teenagers mow the lawn. If the whole | | | | exercise they are getting. A water park is another |
| family washes the car together, it will get done in no | | | | great way to combine fun and exercise. Have you |
| time. When you are finished with the outside chores, | | | | ever tried climbing all of those stairs to the top of |
| the whole family can celebrate by having a cookout | | | | the water slides? It's a lot of work. |
| in the backyard or going for a swim together. | | | | I hope that you try some of these activities with |
| MAKE EXERCISE A GAME | | | | your family. Once you get up and start moving, it will |
| Kids don't need to go to a gym to get physically fit. | | | | become a habit. Your children will reap the benefits of |
| They prefer activities that involve playing. Take your | | | | your family's new active lifestyle by becoming |
| family to the park. Kids and adults will both enjoy | | | | healthier and happier. Have fun! |
| slides, swings, and see-saws. You can take a kite on | | | | |