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Raising Good Sports
 More than 16 million children will participate in team sports this year. But, for a growing number of kids, an active lifestyle is the exception rather than the rule. The attractions of television, computers, and video games keep children spending far more time sitting at home than running around in the great outdoors. As a result, the chances that the next generation will grow up to be inactive adults is increasing along with their risk for disease and chronic health problems.
The "couch-potato" lifestyle also means our kids are missing out on the added benefits of regular exercise. Children who play sports especially girls have
higher levels of confidence and self-esteem,
and lower levels of depression. Team
sports are particularly important for
teaching kids leadership skills, teamwork
and sharing, and how to cope with failure.
Fortunately, there are many good ways to help get kids on their feet:
• Encourage physical activity
and good sportsmanship in kids by
being active yourself, and involving the children. For example, take the
family on a hike or a bike trip.
• Turn off the TV. The average
American child watches television
25 hours a week! Limit TV time to less than two hours a day.
• Check local recreation centers
for sports opportunities.
• Plan family outings that
involve physical activity, such
as walking in a neighborhood park, whenever possible.
• Make exercise fun. Help your
child find activities he or she
enjoys, and then show your support and interest.
• Buy exercise videos. If health
or other reasons keep a child indoors,
try getting exercise videos and tapes designed especially for children.
And make sure they use them!
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