Kids today live a lot differently than their parents did.
Gone are the days when mothers would push their children out the door on a summer morning with the words "Go play!" and not see their children until lunch time.
After lunch, it was outdoors until dinner, with possibly a game of Manhunt or Hide-and-Go-Seek until after dark.
Today's kids play video games, watch cartoons and kid's programs that are available all day, and are shuttled from one activity to another.
Very rarely do you see kids who are outside to simply "Go play!" In response, our nation now has an obesity problem among our children.
The NFL has gone public with a solution called PLAY 60, a program created to encourage children to get a minimum of 60 minutes of active play per day.
President Obama filmed a public service announcement in cooperation with several NFL players that began airing on Thanksgiving and will continue to run during the season.
They are but two of the notables drawing attention to this problem.
While we parents recognize the problem, the solution for getting our children out and active isn't always easy.
Corporations spend lots of money and advertising dollars to make their products as enticing as possible to our children in order to command their time and attention.
We have to help our children find a sport or physical activity that they enjoy just as much and that draws them in so that 60 minutes feels like 60 seconds.
Some kids like the camaraderie and competition of sports.
Some like to challenge themselves by improving a set of skills and mastering a tough physical challenge.
Others just like to go wild and crazy, letting their mood dictate how their body wants to move.
Still others like to explore new places and go for new experiences.
It's up to you to find your child's personality and to expose them to different complimentary sports and activities until they find one that grips them.
They don't have to be great at it-they just have to like it.
When you find the right activity for your child, invest in the basic equipment that will help to keep them safe.
Shoes and clothing, protective gear, and the basic tools for the job are all you need to start.
Then to really get things going, get out there with them.
If they see you going at it and having fun, it reinforces the idea that exercise is not a chore but a fun, healthy and normal part of every day.
It just might become the best hour of your family's day.
Gone are the days when mothers would push their children out the door on a summer morning with the words "Go play!" and not see their children until lunch time.
After lunch, it was outdoors until dinner, with possibly a game of Manhunt or Hide-and-Go-Seek until after dark.
Today's kids play video games, watch cartoons and kid's programs that are available all day, and are shuttled from one activity to another.
Very rarely do you see kids who are outside to simply "Go play!" In response, our nation now has an obesity problem among our children.
The NFL has gone public with a solution called PLAY 60, a program created to encourage children to get a minimum of 60 minutes of active play per day.
President Obama filmed a public service announcement in cooperation with several NFL players that began airing on Thanksgiving and will continue to run during the season.
They are but two of the notables drawing attention to this problem.
While we parents recognize the problem, the solution for getting our children out and active isn't always easy.
Corporations spend lots of money and advertising dollars to make their products as enticing as possible to our children in order to command their time and attention.
We have to help our children find a sport or physical activity that they enjoy just as much and that draws them in so that 60 minutes feels like 60 seconds.
Some kids like the camaraderie and competition of sports.
Some like to challenge themselves by improving a set of skills and mastering a tough physical challenge.
Others just like to go wild and crazy, letting their mood dictate how their body wants to move.
Still others like to explore new places and go for new experiences.
It's up to you to find your child's personality and to expose them to different complimentary sports and activities until they find one that grips them.
They don't have to be great at it-they just have to like it.
When you find the right activity for your child, invest in the basic equipment that will help to keep them safe.
Shoes and clothing, protective gear, and the basic tools for the job are all you need to start.
Then to really get things going, get out there with them.
If they see you going at it and having fun, it reinforces the idea that exercise is not a chore but a fun, healthy and normal part of every day.
It just might become the best hour of your family's day.