My son is not very active and I'm not sure how best to tackle his fitness?

Answer:

The best way to instill a lifelong love of fitness is to encourage children to be active as early as possible. When they are young you need to be active with them in as many ways as possible. Kick a ball at the park, ride bikes to the shops, swim as a family on the weekends and so on.

As they get older – over 5 years of age – children can start to be exposed to as many sports (or Junior versions such as T-ball, Auskick, Little aths) as possible. Doing this may let you discover your child's true particular skill or talent. Getting really enthusiastic about an activity for children is no different than for adults. It helps if you are good at it and have a natural aptitude. Seeing an adult role model doing the same thing is very motivating. Lastly that special bit of regular encouragement by a significant other (e.g. parent) is indispensable.

Whether a child is three, five, seven, twelve or fifteen, being active will boost their immune system, make them feel good, get them tired by the evening to give you some peace and generally help them grow strong and healthy. Yes, children need to get rid of their energy as it bursts forth from every healthy child and they need to be entertained. Physical activity is the best way to do both.

In my opinion every child and particularly every teenager needs to feel he or she is a hero. Success to whatever degree, at whatever level, or even just the sheer satisfaction of participating will help to achieve this feeling. A mentor, whether a parent, friend or coach can be invaluable in teaching, encouraging and nurturing the individual. Someone to pat you on the back when you do well. Someone to encourage you to push the boundaries. Someone with enough faith in you to say "You can do it!". Perhaps there is someone in your extended family that is into a particular sport or fitness activity and would be happy to mentor your son?

Remember too that body image hang ups start at an early age. Being overweight or underweight can reduce a child’s confidence and can alter the attitude of teachers, coaches and parents at times to the individual. So often people forget that fitness is more important than fatness and being scrawny also doesn’t mean you’re weak.

So make sure you work through any barriers to being active.