Children, Exercise and Weight

Children seem to become more sedentary every year, watching television and playing video games instead of biking to the playground or playing kickball in the backyard with their pals. Even schools have stopped emphasizing fitness. In some school districts, physical education has vanished completely because of under funding.
Kids need regular exercise to build strong bones and muscles. Exercise also helps children sleep well at night and stay alert during the day. Such habits established in childhood help adolescents maintain healthy weight despite the hormonal changes, rapid growth, and social influences that often lead to overeating. In addition, active children are more likely to become fit adults.
As childhood has become more sedentary, children have put on weight - lots of it. In the past 30 years, the rate of childhood obesity has more than tripled, leading to a dramatic increase in the number of children with 2 types  diabetes, a disease once limited to sedentary, overweight adults
The forces behind the obesity epidemic have been operating for several decades. They are pretty well beyond your control. Nevertheless, you do have the power to give your children a lifelong appreciation for activities that strengthen their bodies.
Set a good example
If you want an active child, be active yourself. Take the stairs instead of the elevator and park the car farther away from stores. Never make exercise seem a punishment or a chore. Find fun activities that the whole family can do together, such as:
Swimming
Nature hikes
Cycling
Canoeing
Walks with the family dog
If mom and dad exercise, it is a very powerful stimulus for a child to exercise, in addition to getting you active; exercising together gives you good family time. The key is to get kids moving. Free-play activities such as playing tag, hide-and-seek, hopscotch or jump rope can be great for burning calories and improving fitness.