This is the time of year that I talk to the children about which activities they would like to commit to and try for the coming year. Since we home learn, our schedule starts out very open. For the new activities that they want to try out, the local rec center is a great resource, since it is less expensive and a shorter time commitment. Then sitting down with the calendar, I pencil everything in, not just sports, but also music, arts and academic classes.

As well as supporting your child’s interests, here are some more tips for encouraging children to be physically active.

• Set a good example.
• Give fitness oriented gifts. Jump ropes, sports equipment and games, or even mini trampolines are examples of gifts that encourage children to be active.
• Plan family outings; hiking, swimming, skiing, biking, camping or whatever your family likes to do together.
• Give children household chores, such as taking out the garbage, vacuuming, mowing the lawn, or raking leaves. This teaches responsibility and citizenship as well as keeping them active.
• Limit TV, video games and computer time to less than two hours a day.

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