I know I'm going to get a lot of emails and flack for this blog - but hear me out because I know I'm right. If you have young children, it's a good time to get a dog (adoption is always recommended). If your children are not as active or as fit as you would like them to be, then it's a doubly good time to get a dog. There, I've said it.

Yes, you'll more than likely be left to take care of the pup's medical and day-to-day needs. You can't expect your kids to do more than play with the dog, but trust me, that's what they both need more than anything else. A dog will always try to join in on the fun and games and the best "chore" you can give your kids - is to exercise your pup by walking and playing with him/her.

Before you buy or adopt a dog, do your research and figure out what breed is best suited to your lifestyle and living arrangements. Make no mistake about it, it is a serious decision, long-term commitment and a lot of responsibility to own a dog. What you'll get out of it is a lot of love for your family - and it's a love that runs both ways.

A good place to start your research is on the American Kennel Club website (also known as the AKC). The AKC website has all the resources you need to make your decision: you'll be able to research different breeds, find breeders and adoption organizations -and more.

Wherever you decide to vacation, even it's home-sweet-home in your own backyard, make it an active one! Resist the temptation to do little more than sleeping by the pool and eating, by arranging activities in advance. Consider some of these ideas:

• Map out a bicycle ride
• Take snorkeling lessons
• Plan a few hikes that include a packed lunch
• Tour a local botanical garden
• If winter, arrange a ski vacation

The idea is to teach your kids that by being active, they'll learn new physical skills, explore and see new things.

Copyright © 2008 KitMotive.com All Rights Reserved.

Looking for ideas to encourage your kids to be healthy & fit? We suggest making the upcoming Olympics a family TV event.

Parents, let's use some reverse psychology: If you find it difficult to peel your kids away from the TV, then here's your opportunity to use that to your advantage. From August 8th through August 24th, 2008, the Summer Olympics will be broadcast on NBC. Check the official NBC Olympics website for the schedule, pick some convenient times for family TV viewing and then set your own schedule. Make it an event by preparing special healthy snacks, decorating and possibly inviting your kid's friends to join. Be sure to make the event about them (and not the adults).

Without being completely obvious, observe what activities get their attention. For example, if you notice your kid particularly interested in swimming, then simply ask them if they would like to try some swimming lessons. The Olympics include a variety of sporting events, from cycling and equestrian to wrestling and beach volleyball. There are more than enough events to watch and there will be plenty of athlete interviews to encourage and motivate your kids.

Copyright © 2008 KidMotive.com All Rights Reserved.

Yosemite National Park Copyright © KidMotive.com

With kids, you have to make it interesting or you'll lose their attention; that's why we call it a Nature Hike. So, don't expect to get your heart rate up, because this is a teach-by-example exercise with the intention of building your child's appreciation for combining nature and outdoor fitness activities.

A simple web search for the municipal, state or national parks in your area will show that there are numerous parks available to you at a nominal cost (call in advance for hours of operation and possible kids group activities). Many of these parks have visitor centers where you an pick up a map and also books that will help you identify the local wildlife and flora. You can also purchase one of the many excellent Peterson Field Guides on subjects like tress, plants and butterflies that are specific to your region. We suggest turning it into a game.

KidMotive.com suggests picking a different subject for each nature walk -and also having a back-up subject. For example, many children really want to see butterflies. However, because of their short lifespan, butterflies can be elusive little creatures. Identifying trees and flowers will prove much easier.

Suggested links: For city and state parks try a Google search. For national parks vist The National Park Website.

Some other essentials you'll want to consider bringing on your nature walk: water, Healhty Snacks,a First Aid Kit and Sun Block.

Finally, don't forget to check the weather!

Copyright © 2008 KidMotive.com All Rights Reserved.