The most effective thing a parent can do is to be involved, even if it is 15 minutes of activity per day.  I also recommend allowing children to be more involved in choosing and preparing foods. It may take a few minutes longer to get the food on the table, or shop, and the food may not be as presentable, but you will have created a strong positive association with both food and physical activity. Effective, long-term change starts with us as parents, slowing down as much as we can to change from the fast-food, sedentary lifestyle many of us currently have.  Below are some activities you can do with your kids to influence them to be active:

Simple fun physical activities:

• Simply play with your children. Spend 10 -15 minutes daily playing race, tag, walking in the pool or throwing a ball around.  Younger children want time with their parents and they will do just about anything to get it.
• Purchase a Wii game system and incorporate it into evening family time a few nights a week instead of watching television.  This can be fun for all ranges of children!
• Get older children in an after-school program or community program.  Time alone at home after school = time to snack.
• Get in the habit of taking your children somewhere that promotes activity most days of the week, even if it is 30 minutes a day to play at the play ground, pool or local play centers.  I know many of you are tired, but not only will you feel better, but you will be creating a healthy active mindset for your children.
• Find your Bliss!  Make a list of what you enjoy doing; it can be so much more than just hitting the treadmill.