By Jaime Herndon

We all know that physical exercise is important for health, especially for children. But a new study coming out of the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center found that family encouragement and participation in exercise only went so far – friends made a significant difference in activity levels. Children and teens who did physical exercise with a friend were significantly less likely to report barriers to exercise.  Simply put, children are more likely to be active if their friends are – even if the family provides encouragement and support, friends make a significant difference.

The next time you’re with nieces and nephews, encourage their friends to join you guys at the park, or in a pickup basketball or soccer game, or even a stroll around the neighborhood. Make it a family affair and have all the cousins together for some touch football or some swimming at the pool. Not only will your nieces and nephews (and cousins!) get to catch up with their friends, but they’ll be making themselves healthier, too!

Photo Cherry-Merry
Published: March 11, 2015