Motivating Your Teen to Stay Active

by Lindsay Hutton

Obesity is no longer just a problem among adults. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the number of overweight children and teens in our nation has more than tripled over the past three decades, and with 12.5 million young people facing weight problems, obesity is now prevalent among teens. With the growing obesity problem reaching epidemic levels, these staggering statistics are a serious warning to parents. Since overweight kids and teens have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight adults, steps need to be taken to reverse the crisis and ensure that our nation's teens lead healthy and productive lives.

According to 2005 data from the Florida Department of Health, over 10 percent of the nation's high school students are overweight, with an additional 14 percent on the brink of becoming overweight. Overweight teens are at risk for developing numerous health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Add to these the emotional effects, such as social discrimination, low self esteem, and depression, and suddenly being overweight becomes a problem that can cause lasting damage to a teen's well-being. So what can be done?

A teen's behaviors play a large part in whether he will be motivated to stay active and eat healthy - the two important factors in avoiding obesity. It's important to educate your child from an early age about nutrition, physical activity, and the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle. Read up on the subject and be prepared for any questions your teen may ask. Be aware of the diseases and health issues that come with being overweight, and don't be afraid to lay all the facts on the line.

Although factors such as your teen's personal characteristics and your family's financial situation may be hard to change, environment is a factor that parents can control. Try to get your teen involved in activities he enjoys. Not everyone is cut out to be a star baseball player, and forcing your teen to play a specific sport won't make him like it. Instead, tune in to your teen's likes and dislikes. If he enjoys martial arts, enroll him in a class a couple times a week. If he expresses an interest in tennis, get him involved in tennis lessons. If your financial situation makes it hard for you to pay for special lessons, look into your town's local activities. Community centers often offer classes and lessons for free or at a reduced cost.

Making physical activity a family affair is another cheap and easy way to keep your teen active while also building a solid relationship with you. Try making a weekly family activity a part of your normal routine - soon to become a family tradition. Once a week, get the whole family together for some fun exercise such as hiking, biking, or Frisbee. Not only will you all get a great workout, you'll also get to spend some quality time together!

Teens want to excel and feel useful, and success can be a powerful motivator. An active part time job helps many teens get exercise and feel useful at the same time. Keep in mind, though, that it may take a couple of tries before your teen finds a job he likes and does well - don't get frustrated if he changes his mind a couple of times. A strong relationship and good communication with your teen will help you both figure out the perfect activity for him.

The teen years can be the most awkward stage in a person's life, and your teen may be suffering from physical insecurities. Biological changes and the onset of puberty can make a teen self-conscious and lead her to avoid pursuing anything that might make her stand out. It can be hard to concentrate on staying active when you want to remain unnoticed! Peer pressure at this age can also be brutal, and your teen may be dealing with social pressures at school to conform to whatever is currently deemed "cool."

You may need to help your teen find an activity she feels confident doing. Consider your teen's strengths and build on them. Keep the communication lines open so that you can help her resolve any problems with low self-esteem. Offer her support when she needs it, and reassure her that she is capable of achieving success.

Once your teen has settled on an activity, be sure to plan ahead and make time for it. Teens are often overburdened with homework, social activities, etc. If you make an effort to make exercise convenient for your teen, she is more likely to look at it as part of her everyday routine.

According to research by the U.S. Department of Education, young kids tend to believe that the harder they try, the better they'll get. But as children move into their teen years, their thinking shifts; they begin to believe that ability is fixed - that having to try harder means they are less able to do it. Obviously this view can hamper motivation. After all, why try hard if it doesn't guarantee you'll do well? Remember to remind your teen that she doesn't have to be a star athlete, or particularly exceptional at her chosen activity. What's important is to make an effort and have fun.

Be a Role Model
Above all else, remember to be your teen's role model. Research has shown that parents are the most important role model for their children, who tend to mimic their parents' behaviors. By practicing healthy behaviors and embracing your own strengths, you're setting an example for your child to follow - hopefully for life.