With summer just around the corner, children will have more time to devote to physical strength and cardiovascular fitness. Children should exercise for at least 30 minutes everyday. The physical activity should elevate the heart rate enough to create perspiration. Examples of cardio exercises include participating in physical sports, such as soccer or baseball, jumping rope, playing tag or riding a bike.

For the child’s safety, parents should make sure that the physical activity is age appropriate for their child. Sports should be played with children who are the same age and size. Rules and playing levels should also be age appropriate so your child does not get discouraged.

Do not push your child to play or engage in an activity he does not like. When children feel pressured, the activity becomes a chore and is no longer fun. This can create negative emotions about exercising including long-term sedentary behavior.

Children learn by example, so why not show your child the importance of an exercise program by being active together? Parents who exercise are more likely to have children who engage in physical exercise. Family bike rides, community fun runs and picnics at recreational parks are just a few summer fun activities that do not seem like exercise.

Remember that any physical activity can be exercise—walking to the neighborhood pool, riding bikes and playing hide-and-go-seek. These bursts of energy will keep kids healthy and fit all summer long.