Today our back to school series looks at activity.  Experts tell us that kids need 60 minutes of physical activity every day to stay healthy and in shape. Nowadays it seems harder and harder to get that time in, especially with less school time for recess and physical education and more time spent in front of screens.

There are some things you can do to make it easier to get 60 minutes of physical activity each day:

• Talk to your school principal about recess time and physical education.  Sometimes all it takes to get these things restored to the schedule is enough parents expressing its importance.
• Talk to your kids about the importance of using recess time to run around, jump, and play.
• Schedule some playtime after school every day.
• Encourage games like tag and jump rope that require physical activity.
• Plan family activities like bike rides, walks, kayaking, etc.
• Stress video games that require activity, like WiiFit and Dance Dance Revolution.

What other ways can you encourage kids to get more exercise?