Many children and adolescents are naturally physically active, and they need opportunities to be active and to learn skills. They benefit from encouragement from parents and other adults. Adults can promote age-appropriate activity in youth through these steps:

1. Provide time for both structured and unstructured physical activity during school and outside of school. Children need time for active play. Through recess, physical activity breaks, physical education classes, after-school programs, and active time with family and friends, youth can learn about physical activity and spend time doing it.
2. Provide children and adolescents with positive feedback and good role models. It has been said that if you do not practice what you teach, you are teaching something else. Parents and teachers should model and encourage an active lifestyle for children. Praise, rewards, and encouragement help children to be active. Using physical activity as punishment does not help children to be active.
3. Help young people learn skills required to do physical activity safely. As appropriate for their age, youth need to understand how to regulate the intensity of activity, increase physical activity gradually over time, set goals, use protective gear and proper equipment, follow rules, and avoid injuries.
4. Promote activities that set the basis for a lifetime of activity. Children and adolescents should be exposed to a variety of activities, including active recreation, team sports, and individual sports. In this way, they can find activities they can do well and enjoy. Include exposure to activities that adults commonly do, such as jogging, bicycling, hiking, and swimming. Young people should experience non-competitive activities and activities that do not require above-average athletic skills.