Jump for Joy

More active days mean less sad days.

A recent study suggests that kids who spend just 30 minutes a day being physically active are less likely to feel depressed or have thoughts of suicide. What's more, a daily workout contributes to a stronger heart and lungs, increased immunity, and a better quality of life. Help your child ditch excuses and avoid activity thieves like TV shows, online chatting, and videogames.

Forget the word exercise and think fun, fun, fun! Being active as a kid is playing. Building forts. Chasing one another. Playing tag. Riding bikes. Kick ball! Think back to when you were a kid. Think about those times when you would get totally absorbed in an activity. Remember your thoughts, feelings, curiosity, creativity, and the urge to explore? Bring back that playful spirit and share it with your kids.

Join right in on the activity whenever you can. Your children will notice when you're having fun and want to be a part of it.

Take preschoolers for daily walks or small hikes, or chase them around the playground as often as you can. Sign up your elementary kids for after-school sports, and get involved by volunteering to help out at games or practice, or become a coach. If your older children are becoming couch potatoes, turn off the TV and turn to your yellow pages or the Internet; you'll find plenty of cool activities that don't fit the traditional mold, such as rock climbing at a local gym, karate, kick boxing, or dance. Helping your child find an activity that's geared to her interests and personality will set her on a healthy and happy track that will last a lifetime.