PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT KEY IN PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT: TOP FIVE THINGS PARENTS CAN DO TO GET THEIR KIDS MOVING

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Each year, Jack C. Kern, University of Arkansas associate professor of kinesiology, supervises approximately 15 physical education students through their internships, helping them utilize lessons they have learned in the classroom, the gym and on the playing field by applying them to K-12 physical education programs. While well prepared teachers are important, he advises parents to be involved in their child's physical education too.

"Parental involvement is key not only in a child's academic development, but in their physical development as well," Kern said. "In fact, children who engage in regular physical activity are better able to focus on their academic work. Physically active children demonstrate increased alertness and attention spans, which can lead to improved academic performance."

He suggests five things parents can do to get their children away from the television and video games and involved in healthy activity:

1. Move with them! Taking a family walk or bike ride is an excellent way to spend some family time and stay active at the same time. Don't let hot weather get in your way--wait until the evening when the sun starts to go down. If your kids see that you don't mind sweating a bit, they won't mind either.

2. Encourage your children to sign up for an activity. Experiment with soccer, swimming, karate, etc. Maybe you'll hit one that they really enjoy, or they may simply enjoy the social interaction benefits that go along with a variety of activities.

3. Contact your friends who have children and get them together on a regular basis. Kids are more likely to be sedentary when they are alone or in the confines of their own home, so get them out of the house.

4. Check out the many parks and recreation facilities in the area. Many have hiking trails, bike paths, and lakes for canoeing or swimming. Time spent out of the house is more likely to be active time.

5. Ask them regularly what type of activities they are doing in their school physical education classes. Encourage them to practice the skills they have learned at school, and better yet, practice with them.