Articles Index
Healthy Snacks for Half-Time, Pre-Game, and Post-Game
Learn the best healthy half-time snacks for kids, plus what to eat before and after a game. Kids' nutritional needs are different in the hours before and after physical activity, so provide pre-game, post-game, and half-time snacks that give young athletes the nutrients they need.
Active, Indoor Party Games for Birthdays and More
Indoor party games that get kids moving are a boon for guests, hosts, and guests' parents too! These indoor party games require little to no equipment, just a little space and a lot of enthusiasm.
Child Obesity: Is Your Child Overweight or Obese?
Defines diagnosis of child obesity. Explains how doctors determine whether children are overweight using BMI (body mass index) and other measurements and tests. Lists lifestyle questions a medical professional may ask to determine whether children are too sedentary or get sufficient physical activity and good nutrition.
For More Active Kids, Forget Exercise; Have Fun Instead!
Lists ways to encourage active kids and show kids that physical activity is fun. Includes suggestions for modeling fitness and encouraging exercise. Also lists phrases to use when praising kids' fitness efforts.
Am I Fat?
It's not unusual for adolescents to wonder, "Am I fat?" Try these confidence-boosting tips from experts and parents to help build your tween or tween's body image during puberty. Most apply to both girls and boys who worry, "Am I fat?"
First Family Fitness
The Obama fitness routine is legendary. President Barack Obama and his family famously make fitness a priority, rising early in the morning to fit in a gym workout nearly every day. Even the First Grandma, Marian Robinson, is a former track and field star.
The Best Sports for Kids
When it comes to extracurricular activities, you really can't beat sports for kids. Joining a sports team helps your child stay active, practice and learn sportsmanship, improve social skills and concentration, and develop a hobby he can enjoy for life.
Healthy Halloween Treats
Save the candy for trick-or-treating and serve healthy Halloween treats at your Halloween party. Try these simple, kid-friendly ideas for healthy Halloween treats.
Youth Sports Profile: Basketball
Will youth basketball be a hoop dream for your child? This indoor/outdoor, co-ed, pick-up at the park or high-stakes in the gym game can be fun for kids of all ages and abilities—whether they are tall, short, or somewhere in between.
Preventing Injuries, Promoting Health
Kids can suffer from many kinds of sports injuries, including sprains, broken bones, concussions, and heat stroke. Lists risks of physical activities, which sports cause the most injuries, and how to prevent and treat the most common injuries.
How to Talk With Your Child's Coach About Problems
Is your child facing problems on the playing field? Talk to the coach to help resolve problems and help your child succeed in youth sports.
Youth Sports Profile: Football
Are you ready for some kids football (American-style football)? Find out if the classic fall sport of football is right for your child and your family. In addition to tackle football kids can also choose non-contact or flag football
Keep Your Child From Being a Quitter
Are you afraid your child is a quitter? If your child plays sports, sooner or later you'll deal with a declaration of "I quit!" But before you say no, fearing your child will be branded a quitter for life, hear him out, and try to understand his motives.
Fit in Exercise at Home With the 10-10-10 Plan
For many busy parents, the only way to fit in fitness is to exercise at home. Carve out 10 minutes three times a day to exercise at home and you will reap real health benefits.
Small-Size, High-Impact, Inexpensive Active Toys
Fill your child's stocking with these inexpensive active toys--small, low-cost goodies that promote exercise, fitness, and physical activity for kids of all ages.
Dealing with Disappointment in Youth Sports
Dealing with disappointment in sports is an opportunity for kids to learn character traits like resilience, determination, and good sportsmanship.
Fitness for School-Aged Kids
Describes physical fitness basics for school-age children at home and at school. Lists suggestions for many sports and other physical activities. Also suggests ways to encourage physical play and movement in kids.
“But I Hate Gym!”
It's a common complaint--kids often say they hate gym class. Here is a three-step method for changing their minds and helping them love, or at least tolerate, PE.
Best Winter Activities for Your Family
When cold, snowy, icy weather comes your way, resist the urge to hide inside! Winter offers lots of opportunities for fun family fitness, so pull on those mittens and get outdoors. Find information on several winter activities that are fun for kids and families to do together.
Winter Safety: Keep Kids Safe From Hypothermia, Frostbite, and Injury
Winter safety advice from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), discussing how to keep kids safe during the winter months. Includes tips on staying warm and preventing injuries while skating, sledding, skiing, and snowboarding.
Youth Sports Profile: Kids' Soccer
Kids' soccer is an ideal team sport for beginners, with lots of potential for learning, fitness, and development. Find the basics on this popular kids' sport, from costs to risks to finding a kids' soccer program in your area.
Youth Sports Profile: Kids Swimming
Kids swimming is a great workout and offers both an individual and team experience. Swimming is an important lifelong skill. Find the basics on this popular sport for kids, from costs to risks to finding a swim team or club in your area.
Youth Sports Profile: Kids' Ice Hockey
The slam-bang sport of kids ice hockey isn't just for boys, or big kids either. Find the basics on this popular youth sport, from costs (yes, they can be high) to risks to finding a kids' ice hockey program in your area.
Youth Sports Profile: Kids' Ice Skating
Getting kids started in ice skating can open the door to several other sports as well as a recreational sport that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. Find the basics on kids' ice skating, from when lessons can start to how to find a rink or program in your area.
Have a Ball
Playing with balls helps kids build motor skills, plus it's fun. Find out what balls are best for kids at each age and stage, plus games to play with balls.