Kids

Most kids don't need to be encouraged to exercise. If anything, it's usually more of a struggle to get them to slow down and take a breath sometimes.
Yet the modern western lifestyle, characterised by convenience food, TV and PCs, is taking its toll on children as well as adults, and is producing increased numbers of overweight, passive youngsters with lifestyle diseases in their futures. If your kids are spending too much time slouched in front of the TV or on the 'net, encourage them to find a sport or activity they enjoy. Try to incorporate more fun exercise into family outings - swop that pizza-and-video evening for a hike and picnic.
Kids who do participate in sport, especially at a high competitive level, can find the pressure to succeed very stressful. It's important that parents watch out for signs of pyschological strain, as well as physical fatigue from overtraining. Young athletes also have specific nutritional needs that require extra attention.