ABSTRACT
Children cycle less than in the past, partly due to safety fears but also to inconveniences such as regulations about children needing to be accompanied when attending clubs. They walk less, which reflects the increase in car travel, plus they can get in touch with friends by using mobile phones and email and without having to leave the house. This chapter explores the approaches to overcome practical barriers to exercise, which include physical and time barriers, neighbourhood issues and unhelpful household routines. It also explores to overcome a child's lack of interest in getting fit, including assessing confidence, self-esteem and emotional problems that can have a big impact on activity. Many parents, particularly if they do not have a garden or if they are surrounded by communal grounds, feel reluctant to let children play outside unaccompanied. People cope better with problems when they feel good inside, whereas problems seem far worse when feeling low.
