Try to find activities that your child can do with friends. Peer support is the most important piece of the puzzle that needs to be in place for a child to want to exercise. Your involvement with your child exercising is important, but finding ways to involve your child's friends in exercising will greatly increase the chances they will stick to it. Not only does your child see that their friend enjoys exercising but they might both be able to provide each other with support when the other does not want to exercise. This is true even with younger children.

After school time is the key time! Set limits on when the video games and TV can be used at your home. You don't have to be really strict here—just have a set time when your child goes out for exercise. Many parents nowadays are finding out that allowing your child some "cool down" time after school can be very helpful. In other words, perhaps the first thing your child can do is go out and exercise for an hour before tackling their homework. Obviously you have to figure out what works best for your child—completion of homework immediately following school might be the best thing for all parties involved. Knowing your child's personality and needs is important here.

(By the way—age appropriate video games and television do not have to be the enemy and constant source of arguments between your child and you. Set limits, but be flexible as well when special events arise. Children do desire structure, but they also desire a parent who knows that maybe things can be modified on a certain day. This can also teach your child to be more flexible in all of their daily interactions.)

YOUR involvement is important! Your child's friends can be key motivators in their decision to exercise, but your actual expression of interest in their exercise or physical activity is important as well. Studies say children are more motivated to engage in physical activity if their parents are involved or show positive interest. Going to as many of your children's games is VERY important if they do decide organized sports is the route they want to go. It tells them that they are important. But that's not where it stops. For example, after your child walks the dog you can show interest in how it went (but don't go overboard—children can recognize insincerity a mile away!).

Finally…you are a ROLE MODEL! If your child sees you exercising, they are more likely to know that exercising is important. Start now—the more they see you exercising, the better.

Some Questions That Your Child Will Ask 

Here are a few things that your child will be thinking about when it comes to exercise. It might help to keep these in mind:

• Is this worth doing?
• Can I do this activity?
• Do I like this activity?
• Would my friends like to do this?
• Will it cut into time I spend on other things I like to do?
• Are there other things I would like to do more?

Some Concluding Thoughts

Developing a routine for exercise and physical activity will assist your child in laying the groundwork for a lifelong healthy lifestyle. Before sitting down with your child, take some time to remember what it was like when you were a child and what your opinions about exercise were. Putting yourself in that frame of mind will assist you in being better able to relate to what your child's concerns are. Don't be afraid if the routine doesn't stick immediately—it will take time (sometimes months or even years). Be patient with yourself and your child. In the end, it will all be worth it!

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