All parents know exercise is important for children: It can lower heart risks, control weight,and help kids do better in school. Plus, outdoor activities at an early age can go a long way toward helping children form healthy habits for life. In other words, exercise is needed for healthy development. But don’t expect kids to understand about those things. Some kids just aren’t into exercise, but that shouldn’t mean they have to be addicted to the TV. So parents could do something to help inactive son or daughter fall in love with physical activity.

If parents sit in front of the TV every night, a bag of chips in hand, kids aren’t likely to respect restrictions (限制) you set on their screen time either. So check your own viewing behavior, and serve as a role model by putting physical activity into your everyday life. When you can, walk instead of driving. Regularly participate in activities that you enjoy and let your kids see — and hear about — how much you enjoy them. In this way, they may “do as the Romans do”. Make sure that children’s fitness is included in the family schedule in the same way that school, work, shopping, and family gatherings find their way onto the calendar. You and your children are more likely to stick to an exercise plan if you incorporate it into your life on a routine basis. And your children will begin to expect and accept that Sunday morning usually means a hike ride, and a couple of nights after dinner the family takes a light walk through the neighborhood.

Children who aren’t naturally good at physical activities may be self-conscious about their lack of physical skills and even fear public failure. These kids need all the support and encouragement from parents. Negative comments don’t work and will only serve to make your child feel bad. Remember, acknowledge the effort — choosing to be active or trying to improve a skill — rather than the outcome.