Physical exercise is an essential element to healthy living. Children have to learn at an early age that being active is an important part of each day. Unfortunately, kids today are getting less and less exercise. They are glued to their computer screens and television sets rather than being outside playing ball or organizing a game of freeze tag. Children arent as interested in being active as they used to be. Also, parents are busier than ever, so many parents overlook their childrens lack of exercise. The sad result of this sedentary lifestyle is that more and more children and overweight and even obese. Children who are overweight often grow up to be overweight adults. They do not have the skills for making healthy choices for themselves, and their health suffers for it.

Parents are often so consumed with worrying about their childs grades and academic obligations that they let their childs physical activity level take a back seat. It may not seem like an issue that warrants attention. After all, in generations past, children didnt need any encouragement to get outside and play C it was just something that kids were itching to do whenever they werent at school. Past generations didnt have as many riveting technological toys like video games, hundreds of television channels, computers, and hand-held electronic devices. When todays parents were children, these things were at best only beginning to gain attention. The fun things to play with were jump ropes, hula hoops, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, balls, bats, and other hands-on stuff. Times have changed, and parents need to make an effort to keep their kids fit and active.

Kids should get at least one hour of exercise every day. That is not to say that your child should be climbing the Stairmaster or jogging on a treadmill. Rather, they should be engaged in good old-fashioned kids play C outside when the weather is permitting. Encourage your kids to get involved in community sports programs like Little League or a basketball team. If your child isnt enthused about team sports, consider getting him or her involved in dance classes, swimming, cheerleading, or gymnastics. Find activities that your child enjoys so that he or she will be motivated to get daily exercise without having to be prodded. Its not that kids today dont like getting exercise; its just that they arent always exposed to all of the options that are available to them.

Your focus when encouraging your child to exercise shouldnt be their physical appearance; it should be their overall health and wellbeing. You dont ever want to push your child to focus on physical appearance because unhealthy obsessions and insecurities can develop, especially with young girls. Also, you have to practice what you preach. If you live a sedentary and inactive lifestyle, then your child is very likely to follow your lead and model the same behavior. Be a positive role model. Get active yourself, and get active as a family. Go on family walks after dinner or on weekends, go on bike rides, have a catch, or take your kids to a local lake to go swimming.