Have you ever tried to get a young child to sit still for five minutes? Parents don't have to work at getting young kids to be active. Kids are in perpetual motion. They love being active. It is very important to establish good habits when they are young before they start to slow down. Kids begin to slow down around age 12. Their pattern of physical activity is often set for life by the time kids finish high school. Fitness and physical activity can be come a family affair. Take time together. Play games in the park. Bicycle around the neighborhood. Take hikes. Go swimming.

Children go through distinct developmental stages. Activities good for one age level may not be good for another, try these:
* First 2 Years: Let the child be active and explore naturally. Develop good eating habits. Do not use food to reward or bribe.
* 2 to 5 Years: Practice basic skills, such as throwing, kicking, and jumping. Let the experience be fun. Skill will naturally improve with practice.
* 5 to 8 Years: Loosely structured team sports can be offered. Do not be too demanding or over-protective. Children at this age are more accident prone. They play to have fun, be with friends, and burn off energy.
* 8 to 10 Years: Allow the child to experiment with individual and team sports activities. Assess physical abilities. Offer encouragement, not discouragement. Let the child develop new skills at his or her own pace.
* 10 to 14 Years: Puberty begins. Egos become fragile. Match sports to the child's physical and emotional development, not calendar age. Encourage physical activity that is not competitive.
* 14 to 17 Years: Health and fitness values have been taught and practiced by this age. Focus on the long-term benefits of an active lifestyle.

Be sure that aerobic activities are included in the child's regular activity program. These activities strengthen the heart and lungs. Examples include bicycling, in-line skating, swimming, running, and walking. An active lifestyle develops healthy and fit kids. Fitness helps kids feel great about themselves and is lots of fun!

Choose activities that you and your child enjoy, and that are readily accessible. To learn more, visit your local bookstore or library, or call your local YMCA or YWCA.

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