The key to keeping kids of all ages at a healthy weight and overcoming childhood fitness issues is taking a whole-family approach. Skating and other fitness activities were a family affair at my house, because the kids were all involved in planning and preparing for the next skating session.

Things your child can to to help each family skating outings:

• Kids can help with basic skate maintenance and cleaning, when needed.
  
  
• Let them help select the next skating location by allowing them to search the internet for local park and trail information or a roller skating center to try.
  
  
• Let your children pick their favorite skate wear – for some reason they skate better in their preferred clothing.
  
  
• Make each child responsible for packing a healthy snack and drinks.
  
  
• Let them organize and carry their own equipment – just another way to build muscle.
  
  
• Encourage each child to learn how to put on skates and safety gear properly.

Of course, a lot of cross-checking will be necessary for a while, but you'll give your kids the gift of a routine of "preparing and doing" that will last lifetime for whatever fitness pursuits they choose. This will help them learn to make good activity choices and support their own choices in the future. Let your kids know that inline skating and other aerobic activities bring a lot more than fun into their lives. And there's something in it for skating parents, too. A strong, fairly self-sufficient child will make good company and motivate you to skate more, once they can roll!