Two hours a day in front of the television is plenty for children, according to American Academy of Pediatrics. Any extra free time should be used for exercising.

A recent study shows that kids who spend little time in front of the TV and exercise regularly are much less likely to become overweight. AAP recommends that boys be active enough to take 13,000 steps a day, while girls should take 11,000 steps each day.

Only 44 percent of the children in the study exercised the recommended amount. In addition, only 31 percent were limiting their TV viewing to two hours or less a day.

Children of all ages should strive for at least one hour of exercise most days of the week. But, the responsibility falls on the parent. While many children prefer physical activity over TV viewing, a great deal more need extra motivation to get off the couch. Of course, in order to get the kids off the couch, the parents must get up first. The eagerness to be healthy first comes from adults.

Most parents don’t want their children to be overweight, but the challenge is in knowing how to get them active. Parents lack ideas and need helpful suggestions. The most successful exercises are the ones parents and children can enjoy together. But family exercises are not only good for the kids. After all, what parent wouldn’t mind losing a couple pounds.

To decrease your child’s time in front of the TV and increase their activity level, see our suggestions about kids exercise ideas and other kids indoor activities.

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