Moms Talk: Should I Make My Kids Be Active?

Each week in Moms Talk, our council of smart parents take your questions, give advice and share solutions. Meet the 

Our question this week comes from Holly Hunt:

"I'm currently looking at some sort of activity for E. and C. to do. Neither of them really wants to do anything I suggest. I'm thinking of signing them up for something anyway—it will be good for them. But should I make them do something if they really would rather stay inside, watch TV and play video games?"

Moms council member Patti Baratta weighs in with her thoughts:

"Over the years I have signed my kids up for a variety of activities—soccer, basketball, softball, baseball, piano, guitar, flute, ice skating, art camp, academic camp (they are teens and late tweens). After the first season of anything, I always ask if they want to continue (I don’t force). Their favorites have surfaced over the years (and I dump a ton of cash into soccer at this point), and while we are still on the computer a ton, they have tons of outside activities to choose from.