September in National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. It’s a great time to help kids be more active by starting them in sports. But what if they don’t like organized sports or are hooked on video games? Not all kids are naturally drawn to activity.  One popular tool is Wii? Studies are beginning to show that Wii is a great way to get kids off of the couch and doing some activity.  Socialization is important too, so look for games that can be played with other children.

Another idea is joining a play group.  Young children will not generally need to be told to play if they are put in an environment where they can interact with other kids.  If your child is overweight, encouraging them to play with other children who are more active has been shown to be beneficial.  Children in elementary school usually ride the bus to school, but if you live in an area with sidewalks, why not start a walking school bus for all of the neighbor kids?

If your child likes technology, there are many free apps for i phone, Droid or PC that can be used to help them live healthier.  Look for nutrition and exercise apps as well as free websites.  One example is mypyramid.gov, where the entire family can track diet and exercise to help form good habits.  These are wonderful tools to eliminate mindless eating and keep parents and kids accountable for food and exercise.

For older children, hiring a trainer is one option.  Kids often respond positively to a trainer, especially one who is used to dealing with kids.  Teens will benefit from the guidance of a good trainer and can learn many healthy habits that they can carry throughout their lives.  Small group sessions for older kids and teens are a good choice too and may be cheaper.  A good trainer will help to educate the entire family on healthy eating and exercise habits that will reinforce what the young person is doing.

Whatever you decide to do, just encouraging more play time is a good start.  Childhood obesity is becoming an epidemic and parents can use the same tech tools that make our children sedentary, to help them to be more active and eat healthier.  For more ideas on what you can do in your community, school or household, contact us at Fitwise.  We are happy to offer suggestions.