Having an active lifestyle is one of the best ways to being healthy and fit. This is not only for adults but kids as well. Isn’t it that most kids nowadays spend more hours in front of computers or game consoles than playing outdoors? Some kids are even addicted to online activities; I was shocked to learn in one article about a treatment clinic for kids who are sick with Internet addiction.

The best way to lure kids away from the computer is to encourage them in sports and outdoor recreation. A weekend camping trip or hiking activity can be a good start. For sports, there are many choices for the kids, from basketball, swimming, baseball, soccer and other outdoor games.

Whatever sports the kids are interested in, parents can enroll them under a coach or trainer so they can improve their playing skills and be more confident. Also, the availability nowadays of sports training devices such as baseball pitching machines and ball return trainers also helps, as well as providing good quality player’s gear and clothing, from baseball gloves to training balls and bats.

Joining a sports team, even just the one in the neighborhood, is an opportunity for kids to develop their playing skills and learn essential character building skills such as team work, patience and leadership. It’s a good move for parents to motivate their kids in sports and being in a team, where they can be more physically active instead of being glued to their computer monitors all day.