As a parent, you can help shape your child's attitudes and behaviors toward physical activity. Encourage young people to be physically active for one hour or more each day. Activities can range from informal, active play to organized sports.
What you can do
- Set a positive example by leading an active lifestyle yourself.
- Make physical activity part of your family's daily routine by taking family walks or playing active games together. Take young people to places where they can be active, such as public parks, community baseball fields or basketball courts. Play actively with young kids at home. Read tips and ideas for active play.
- Be positive about the physical activities in which your child participates.
- Limit recreational computer, television and “screen time” to one to two hours a day - instead of watching television or playing computer after dinner, encourage your child to walk, play chase or ride bikes.
- Provide protective equipment such as helmets, wrist pads or knee pads and ensure that activity is age-appropriate.
- Support efforts in your community to create safe places to walk, bike and play.