Keeping kids active when they go back to school

My son has an excess of energy, so I don't know if he's a good example for a general statement. But if your kids are active from the minute they wake up in the morning, until right before bed, then your kids and my son have a lot in common.

When school starts in a few weeks, I know my son will have a rough transition. Given a choice, he'd love to be out riding his bike and playing kickball year-round. And physical activity has such a positive impact on his mood, behavior, and ability to focus. To help keep his activity levels as high as possible, we'll start the same routine we used last year.

• Before school, we'll head to the backyard (as long as the weather permits) and practice soccer moves, he'll ride around the block on his bike, or I'll throw him some pitches. In the winter, we'll have a.m. Dance, Dance, Revolution contests or I'll set up a relay race through the house for him.

• During school, he gets very little activity. Gym class is restricted to one half-hour session a week. He does play kickball with friends or run around the track at recess, however.
• After school, he'll have time to play with friends in the neighborhood. We also love to walk down to nearby tennis courts and hit the ball around. He also plays on a soccer team in the fall. (He's going to join a swim team during the winter and he'll probably play baseball again in the spring).
  
  

It's easier for kids to be active in the summer. Though, according to Jacki's post, not all kids opt to be so active. During the school year, it's up to parents to make sure kids get the activity the need to succeed.