Obesity among children and teenagers is on a steep upward climb. As much as 33 percent of children and teens in the United States are classified as obese, according to a 2008 article by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. This can lead to other problems, including an increased risk of depression, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. Part of the reason for this increase in child obesity is the growing stagnancy of children, who spend more time on computers and video games and less time playing and being active. Take steps to get your kids more active in exercise.
Step 1
Set strict computer and video game schedules. Ban all use of electronics between the end of school and dinner time to persuade your kids to play outside. The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends limiting daily use of computers, television and video games to two hours. While this can be difficult to enforce in some instances, such as when a child has homework requiring use of the computer, adhere to this rule as strictly as possible. Achieve greater control by keeping televisions and phones out of bedrooms.
Step 2
Enroll your children in after-school activities and extracurricular sports. Swimming lessons, team sports and individual activities are all ways you can encourage your child to develop an active lifestyle. Team sports keep your child active and exercising. They also promote social interaction and the development of important social skills, such as teamwork. Swimming lessons also teach an important skill that could save your child's life someday. Provide your child with a bike to give him an individual activity. This may give him with a sense of independence, in addition to an outlet for exercise.
Step 3
Participate in activities with your children. Set an example for the type of active lifestyle you are encouraging your children to adopt. Use family time to go on walks, nature hikes, or to play games and other activities at the park. In addition to spending quality time with your child, this sets an example for the type of healthy, active living your child should carry on into her adult life. It also gets you off the couch, which can benefit your own health.
Step 4
Place an emphasis on having fun. Children find it much easier to exercise when they're playing a game. Shy away from framing physical activity as exercise, as it can cause your child to negatively associate activity with work or a chore. Encourage your child to play outside, have fun and run around. Give him active outlets he enjoys--such as playing the sports he prefers--to make this task easier for you and your child.
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