7 tips for raising active, healthy kids

4. Give your child choice
Children will guide you to activities they enjoy if they have a variety to choose from. They are more likely to connect with an exercise or sport that they have chosen themselves. Allow them to make their own choices and you'll empower them for life.

5. Be a role model
Practice what you preach and become a positive role model for your child. Children respect, look up to and imitate the people that play the largest roles in their lives, so make sure you are setting a good example.

6. Try noncompetitive activities
Make it fun and they will come! Life has enough elements of competition in it. It is not imperative to make all physical activity aggressive with an emphasis on winning. Children aged two to six should enjoy games, activities and sports that emphasize achieving personal bests and having a good time. (Try our 12 fun activities.)

7. Make it a family affair
The home environment has a huge influence on the values children start to develop. Boys pay close attention to how their dad interacts with others and what habits he adopts, and girls seem to do the same with moms. Engage in family activities such as swimming, skating, biking or hiking -- this will send a powerful positive message to your children. The family that plays together stays healthy together. Also remember that you cannot preach about good nutrition and eat poorly yourself. Children are watching your every move so it is imperative to set a good example.

Life is a journey, and helping your children begin theirs with a solid foundation of fitness and health will help them to develop a healthy lifestyle for life. Remember that the first six years of your child's life is the prime time to lay the groundwork for a lifetime of success in fitness and health.

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