12 Things A Parent Can Do To Help Her or His Child Be More Physically Active
by Angela Scott


Paul Rosengard, executive director of the SPARK Programs recommends families adhere to the following in order to create more healthier lifestyles:

1. Each year ask them what they like to do, then help them do it!

2. Transport them to places where they can move and play safely.

3. Give them gifts that promote physical activity (e.g. volleyball, jump rope, in-line skates).

4. Write and speak with school administrators of your support for quality physical education programs.

5. Encourage school officials to provide opportunities for students to be physically active before school, during lunch breaks and after school.

6. Prompt school officials to offer assemblies, field trips and special events that promote physical activity.

7. Participate with your child (e.g. play catch with a Frisbee, chop firewood and go for walks together).

8. Plan family events, including weekend getaways and vacations that include physical activity (e.g. hiking, water sports and skiing).

9. Promote the development of neighborhood parks, biking paths and walking trails in your community.

10. Enroll your child in out-of-school physical activity lessons (e.g. martial arts, dance, swimming and gymnastics).

11. Encourage your child’s participation on sports teams (e.g. Little League, basketball, track and field etc.).

12. Monitor/limit access to TV and video games. Have your child “earn” time for these “low voltage” activities by accumulating minutes being physically active.


Angela D. Scott lives in the Los Angeles area and is the Special Sections Editor for the Southwest Region of United Parenting Publications. This professional writer is a single mother of two daughters, Shani and Samara.


February 16, 2004