If you’ve had issues controlling your kids and if you feel they watch too much TV/play too many videos games, then here’s a how to get them active again.

Set a good example
If you want active kids, be active yourself. Adults need at least 2.5 hours a week of moderate intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activities.
Go for a brisk walk, ride your bike or spend some time gardening. Kids ages 6 to 17 years old need at least an hour a day of such moderate activities.
Three or more days a week should be more vigorous activities such as those that include running/football. Anything that involves working the heart.

Praise Praise Praise
Invite your family to play catch or to join you on a walk. Talk about physical activity as an opportunity to take care of your body, rather than a punishment or a chore. Praise, reward and encourage activity. Set goals and have everyone track their activities and progress.

See yourself as a role model
A parent’s active lifestyle is a powerful stimulus for a child. You are a role model for your children; set a good example by making physical activity a priority in your life.

Limit screen time
A surefire way to increase your child’s activity levels is to limit the number of hours they’re allowed to watch television each day. You might limit screen time — including television, video games and computer time.
Kids should not watch TV for more than one to two hours a day. To make it easier, don’t put a television in your children’s bedrooms, and keep the computer in a family area. Also consider any other of your kids activities that cause them to have a sedentary life and see how you can limit this.

If your children play video games, opt for those that require movement. Activity-oriented video games — such as dance video games and video games that use a player’s physical movements to control what happens on the screen — boost a child’s calorie-burning power. This alone could double their energy expenditure – but that’s not guaranteed.

Establish a routine
Set aside time each day for physical activity. Get up early with your children to walk the dog or take a walk together after dinner. Start small, gradually adding new activities to the routine as you — and your children — become more fit.

Let your children set the pace
For many kids, organized sports are a great way to stay fit. But team sports or dance classes aren’t the only options. If your child is artistically inclined, take a nature hike to collect leaves and rocks that your child can use to make a collage. If your child likes to climb, head for the nearest neighborhood jungle gym. If your child likes to read, walk or bike to the neighborhood library for a book. Or simply turn on your child’s favorite music and dance in the living room.

Understand the needs of your kids
Every child is wired differently. We all have certain strengths and characteristics that influence our interests. The key is finding things that your children like to do.

Promote activity, not exercise
To keep your kids interested in fitness, make it fun.

Let them make decisions
Put your kids in charge. Let each child take a turn choosing the activity of the day or week. Batting cages, bowling and neighborhood play areas all count. What matters is that you’re doing something active.

As a conclusion..
Give the gift of activity. Make gifts and rewards things like activity-related equipment, games or outings.
Incorporating physical activity into your children’s lives does much more than promote a healthy weight, It sets the foundation for a lifetime of fitness and good health.