Exercise is great for kids because it keeps them fit, improves their overall health, helps prevent long-term diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease and helps with their social engagement. Sport is a good way for kids to stay active. You can't force your children to like sports, however as parents, your children’s physical health is very important. Here are some ways to spark your kid’s interest in playing sports:

• Start playing sport with your kid when they’re young – Introducing sports and games to kids at a young age is very beneficial. Try kicking a soccer ball around with your toddler or having a backyard gymnastics competition with your older kids. Make sure you participate; they will love the bonding time they get with you!

• Include the whole family – Take everyone on trips to the park to throw a frisbee or have a family beach day and try your hand at surfing and swimming.

• Let your child choose which sport they want to play – Kids like to have a certain amount of autonomy, and if your child feels like they’re being forced to do a sport, it will be a miserable experience for everyone. Explore their interests and athletic strengths together, then pick a sport based on that.

• Watch sport on TV with them – This can also be a great bonding experience, and introduce you both to sports you may not have had much to do with.

How do you encourage your kids to play sport? Tell us in the comments!