*Jessica Morrison is a new contributor for MomGenerations.com! Jessica has the blog: 30 Something Mother Runner.

Although I write most often about keeping moms healthy and fit, it’s equally important to make sure that your children stay active. This couldn’t be more relevant, since our children aged 8-18 now spend an average of 7.5 hours a day in front of a screen for entertainment (according to a Kaiser Family Foundation study)!

So, how can you make sure that your kids stay active in a world filled with screen time?

Here are some tips:

Lead by example. In my opinion, this is the most important. Children model their parents’ behavior. If you don’t exercise, why should your child?

Choose a goal. There are a lot of great kids’ races out there. Encourage your child to train for a 1k or fun run—you can run with them!

Limit your kids’ screen time. Kids actually like having boundaries—believe it or not! Set a time limit for screen time each day. Offer your child active alternatives to the screen like going outside to play, run, bike, etc.

Quiz your child to find out which activities they like. There are so many organized and unorganized activities out there for children. There is literally something for everyone. If your child likes to dance along to music, try signing them up for a dance class or gymnastics. If your child likes to run, look for a local track club that offers kids’ running activities. By tailoring the activity to your child’s interest, he/she is much more likely to stick with it!

Keep exercise fun! Sometimes all you need is a good game of tag! My older son and I like to run together and pretend we are planes when we run downhill! Kids love to have fun, and making exercise fun is a win-win!

ABOUT JESSICA FROM 30 SOMETHING MOTHER RUNNER :

I am a thirty-something mother runner to three crazy (but very lovable) young boys and a lazy greyhound, living the beach life on Cape Cod.I was once asked whether I run to keep up with the boys or to run away, and I guess I would say it’s a little of both! As a mother and a runner, I believe strongly in living a healthy, active life. I started 30 Something Mother Runner to connect with other moms (and dads!) who run, but it has morphed into something much larger. In addition to running, I enjoy writing about healthy eating, healthy parenting, kids’ activities and toys, technology—basically a little bit of everything! I love to work with companies that also promote a healthy and fit lifestyle. I am an ambassador for the ZOOMA women’s race series, For Two Fitness®, Stable 26, and Headsweats. I love sharing my passion for running and healthy living with the wonderful community I have found through this blog. When I’m not on the blog or on a run, you can find me on Facebook, Google Plus, Twitter, and via email at 30somethingmotherrunner[at]gmail[dot]com.