Modern society often seems to conspire against the fitness levels of each and every one of us. It is our children who suffer the most, unfortunately, because they are learning from the stressful, harried and unhealthy lifestyle most parents live. The opportunities for "kids to be kids" are coming fewer and father between; especially for those families who don't have the finances or time to enlist their children in sports. The good news is that there are ways to keep your children fit and healthy without sports teams. In fact, many ways to keep your kids fit will also influence the lifestyle of the parents, encouraging healthy living through the whole family. Most importantly, you don't need more hours in every day to achieve the results.

One of the most beneficial things you can do to help your kids stay fit and healthy is to provide them with a healthy environment. This means wholesome food, adequate sleeping schedules and a relatively stress-free home. Make sure you and your kids are eating a healthy breakfast everyday, and that your children have healthy snacks to bring to school everyday. With healthy snacks, if they forget to eat lunch, or trade for something more appealing, you know they are still getting their basic requirements. Have a healthy dinner ready for them whether or not you have time to sit down as a family; eliminate pizza and McDonald's from the menu. Sleep is also important. Make sure that your children are getting a minimum of eight hours; set the example for them by getting the same amount of sleep yourself. Not only will you be leading by example, but you will be contributing to a healthy lifestyle for yourself. An entirely stress-free environment is a thing of fairy tales and will not happen; moreover, some stress is healthy. You should strive to maintain a happy and encouraging atmosphere where anxiety will not flourish, but friendly competition and ambition will.

Physically, growing children need a lot of exercise and, with the cost and time-consumption involved with team sports, you may worry that your children are lacking. If you have a yard, make sure your children use it. Encourage them to play outside instead of watching TV; in fact, limit their television consumption no matter what. Be open to inviting friends over and inventive in coming up with outdoor activities. The Internet is a veritable cornucopia of fun game ideas. If you don't have a yard put time aside, even once a week, for exploring your neighborhood for parks. Work with other busy parents and arrange play dates. Walk as much as possible.

There are many indoor activities as well which encourage physical activity. Children should have chores to inspire a respect for responsibility and authority. Try to make those chores vacuuming, or mowing the lawn; anything that requires a bit of exertion. If they are younger, teach them how to fold towels.

Make up fun activities that you can do with your children; I love to dance around with my nieces and nephews. We all get a great workout! See who can do the most jumping jacks in 2 minutes; clear a space in their bedroom and learn' to do handstands. Allow them to make a fort if it means moving furniture (though nothing too heavy or breakable) and make sure they put it back after they are done.

There are lots of ways to remain active, even without sports teams. The most important thing to remember is that staying fit means eating healthy, getting lots of sleep, and being physically active.

Learn more about this author, Monique Nelson.
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