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In this modern day and age, there is so much hoop-de-la about schools providing physical education for children. Many parents are outraged at budget cuts causing non-academic subjects, such as P.E class, to go down the drain. I have one question on my mind for those ruffled P.T.A folks; do you honestly think that one hour, three days a week, will keep your child healthy? Really! If the munchkin has not already cut the class, they are probably as happy playing bench warmer as they are actually running after that blasted ball. If you want to keep your child from becoming an obesity statistic, you have to move their juvenile butt away from the X-Box and onto the soccer field! Making your kid a move-a-holic is easily achieved with toys. Anything bright or noisy, kids will wear out until it is meatloaf-colored and sounds like a dying camel. The classic Hula-Hoop is making an unexpected comeback. Foam footballs are versatile for the beach or field. My family has had one for the past ten years, and it follows us on every picnic, vacation, and babysitting adventure. Of course, very few young ones are content running laps solo. Take advantage of competitive instinct, and make a group trip to the local tennis courts, basketball hoops, soccer field, baseball diamond, etc. These are easily found at any local school ground and are generally always open to the public. If you want to go the extra mile, you can enroll kids in sports through school, or city recreation leagues. Warning: this may require you to cut orange slices and buy a minivan. The ultimate best way to ensure a workout your kid will love is to actually workout with your kid. Go for a long walk, bike ride, or play some one-on-one. Very few other activities will allow you to connect physical and mentally with your kid. Not only do you get to spend time with them, but you also get to work on those fifteen pounds you probably gained as part of parenthood. The added bonus; if you are sly enough to promote your favorite sports, you may end up with a long term tennis partner.

Learn more about this author, Melissa Goray.
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