When that school bell rings at the end of the day, many kids can't wait to get home and park on the couch to watch TV, play video games, and eat junk food. That doesn't mean you have to let them! When your kids get home from school, encourage them to get out in the yard and run around. They've been cooped up all day in a classroom and will probably welcome the chance to let some energy out.

If you're home when your kids get out of school, make some time to exercise together, whether outside or in the house. Doing an exercise video is better than playing a video game! If your children are latchkey kids, try to find an older kid in the neighborhood who will play with them until you get home. Your children will appreciate the company as well as the activity.

Frank Angelucci, PE teacher for the kids on Shaq's Big Challenge, says that children today have schedules booked so solid, there's no time for them to keep fit. He urges parents to leave some room in their kids' schedules for heart-pumping activity in the afternoon or evening. "Encourage independence — riding bikes to the park, hiking around the pond," he advises. "Even if you're preoccupied with making dinner, let your kids roam." It can be structured exercise or fun physical activity — just make sure your kids are using their after-school time to move around and be healthy!