DEAR HARRIETTE: I have two children who are teenagers. In the past, they've been extremely active, but as they entered middle and high school, they slowly dropped sports. I know children grow out of sports all of the time, but the lack of physical activity seems to be catching up to them. They have visibly gained weight, and they aren't as energetic as they once were. I have tried to bring up exercising together, but apparently being active is "lame"! I want to instill healthy values into my teenagers. How can I get them to get active so they don't become eternal couch potatoes? -- Fit Mother, Detroit
DEAR FIT MOTHER: Speak to their pediatrician. Explain your concerns, and ask the doctor to examine them and require physical activity if he agrees with your concern. Schedule a physical for each of them. The blood work will reveal if they have developed any real health issues at this point. If the doctor prescribes an exercise or nutrition plan, you have greater authority to enforce it.
Obviously you are their mother, but you well know that teenagers can be challenging to manage. Armed with doctor's orders, you can be insistent about their fitness. Other things you can do include stocking only healthy snacks in your home, continuing to invite them to participate in fun physical activities and talking to them about the importance of cultivating healthy habits. Try not to reprimand them for becoming less active. Instead, work hard to inspire them to want to be more active.