• the marketing of high fat and sugary foods to children



• the acceptance of sedentary habits, including watching TV, playing video games, and heavy computer use



• the large portion sizes at restaurants



• the lack of sufficient physical education programs in schools

• Make a habit of walking with your child after dinner at least once a week.



• Give active gifts, such as rollerblades, cool running shoes, biking shorts, balls, and other types of sporting equipment and accessories.



• If you have the space, consider setting up a basketball hoop, ping-pong table, or pitch-back net on your property.



• Sign up for a family membership to your local YMCA or other activity center.



• Go on regular outings to parks, playgrounds, beaches, and ballgames (sometimes seeing the pros in action encourages kids to try a sport on their own).



• When he reaches school age, encourage him to participate in one or more of the athletic programs offered by schools, parks and recreation departments, and community groups. You're likely to find everything from soccer to dance, baseball to tennis, gymnastics to horseback riding. If he samples a variety of activities when he's young, he's likely to find something that he really likes and is good at. (But don't push! If he gives a certain sport a fair chance but doesn't want to sign up again, let him move on or you're apt to sour him on the whole notion of athletics.)



• Encourage active games such as throwing a Frisbee or playing catch.



• Consider weekend family activities such as kite flying, hiking, or bike riding.

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