1. Work with your PTA to raise funds for school athletic equipment.

2. Speak up about the importance of recess and physical education. Parents' concerns and ideas are valuable-talk to your principal and other school leaders about the importance of incorporating at least 30 minutes of physical education run by accredited professional instructors, into every school day.

3. Encourage your child to participate in team sports or athletic programs. Team sports/athletic programs may be sponsored by the school, community centers, the local YMCA, or parks and recreational organizations. Activities such as dance, baseball, horseback riding, gymnastics, swimming, basketball, soccer, biking, and running can dramatically increase your child's daily physical activity.

4. Talk to your child's teachers about planning fitness breaks: 5-minute aerobic activities (like jumping jacks) to break up the school day.

5. Volunteer to help with physical activity events or sports at your child's school. Become a part of your child's after school physical activities, including sports teams, marching bands, etc., by volunteering. Your child and the school will appreciate the extra hands.

6. Form a "walking school bus" and volunteer to walk groups of students to school on a rotating basis.

7. Ask school leaders about including information about the importance of physical activity in the curriculum as well as in communications with parents, such as the school newsletter.

8. Team up with other parents to form an early morning or after-school walking, biking, or running club.

9. Participate in Walk to School Day with your children: http://www.walktoschool-usa.org

10. Connect with ongoing efforts to engage children in physical activity in your school and community. The local chapter of the American Heart Association or your local YMCA, for example, may have valuable ideas and materials that you can use.