| In a world of computers, cell phones, Sidekicks, X | | | | When your children see that you actively participate in |
| boxes and video gaming, kids today have an entirely | | | | and enjoy outdoors activities, they'll want to do the |
| new concept of what having fun is. These are the | | | | same. It's a blueprint that you're setting for them that |
| babies of the new technology, and while knowing how | | | | they will touch back on later in life. Be it biking, going |
| to operate all these gadgets can be good for them in | | | | swimming, or just playing catch with them, seeing you |
| many ways, this new way of playing can also lead to | | | | active and enjoying sports and physical activities will |
| a lifestyle of physical inactivity for them. | | | | rub off on them in a very big way. |
| Back in the day, we played in our backyards, on | | | | Remember that children tend to pick up your good |
| playgrounds, in the middle of dead end streets, making | | | | habits, as well as your bad ones. It has been proven |
| up all kinds of games where you had to run, jump, | | | | that children with parents who smoke are more likely |
| climb, throw balls, and just plain move that body all | | | | to become smokers later on. It's the same for |
| around. Flash forward to the present, and with the | | | | everything else they see you do. Or not do. They are |
| exception of children who participate in organized | | | | learning from you what to do, and how to be. So, by |
| sports, you'll find that many of our youths spend day | | | | the same token, your good habits will set an example |
| after day parked in front of a TV or computer monitor, | | | | for them, as well. If they see you just sitting around on |
| or sitting around text messaging their buddies. This is | | | | the couch all day just lounging around when you're not |
| something that you as a parent, relative, mentor or | | | | at work, and never being active, then that's setting the |
| adult influence can, if not change, at least put a dent in. | | | | tone for the type of adults they're more likely to |
| It's up to us to show the kids of today how to really | | | | become. Sedentary and inactive. Try to avoid that by |
| play. | | | | getting outside and doing physical activities, both with |
| First of all, it helps if you're pretty active, yourself. You | | | | and without your kids. |
| can't just talk the talk, here. You have to walk the walk. | | | | Good influences start early. Be sure that you're setting |
| Kids do what they see YOU do. | | | | a good, healthy, active example for your child. |