With all the Christmas cookies, eggnog and candy we’ve been eating at our house this past couple weeks, I’m afraid to get on the scales. This week, I’m trying to get back to my senses and eat more modestly and exercise more. But what about the kids?

We all have heard about the growing problem of childhood obesity. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that children and teens get at least an hour of physical activity most days of the week. But right now my kids have a break in their sports schedules and the short days mean less time to play outside.

 Gayle Peter, owner of My Gym Children’s Fitness Center in Columbia, has some easy suggestions on how to get the kids off the couch:

 1. Take a walk. Even small increments of activity add up over the course of a week.

 2. Put the kids to work. Yard work and cleaning the house will get them moving. (You may want to throw in a few bucks as extra incentive).

 3. Walk the dog.

 4. Plan trips with family and friends that involve activities such as biking, hiking, skiing – or even just walking to a museum.

5. Play with your child. Take them outside to a playground or in your backyard where they can get active, throwing a ball around or a Frisbee.

“Since children generally like to imitate adults it’s important to add physical activity to your daily routine and encourage your child to join you,” Peter says.

Do you have any other suggestions for how to get the kids moving this winter?

photo by DOUG KAPUSTIN