I recently spent the last several weeks volunteering for my 6 year old niece's cross-country, after school program at her elementary school. At first I figured I would try to make it when I could, but after the first day I realized it was an experience I wanted to be a permanent part of.

During the first few days of running, the kids perpetually complained of side-stitches, which prevented them from running for very long. I also heard a lot of "I want to quit" and "I don't like running," dialogues between kids. I ran mainly in the middle of a group of 20 kids, ages 6-8 years old. I herded them from the school to a nearby park and back with words of encouragement and even some competitive racing. They instantly responded and most complaining ceased after a few days.

I love being around kids because the interaction instantly brings me back to my own childhood. No matter how busy I am with my "grown up" problems, I always make time to play with my two nieces or any other kid. I look at them and realize they are the ones who will be running the country when I'm old- and that inspires me to want to nurture and lead them in a positive direction even more.

I learned a few things during those few weeks of volunteering with the kids:

- Exercise is a natural thing for kids, they need it every single day in healthy doses. Sitting in front of a TV screen for hours on end and eating junk food goes against every instinct a kid has. They need to be outside or at the very least, exerting their energy and using their imaginations to ensure proper physical and cognitive growth.

- Kids model adult's behavior. When I ran, the kids ran after me. When I chased a kid, it playfully encouraged them to run faster. When the kids thought they were going to win imaginary "medals" such as a gold, silver and bronze- they ran faster to get to the front of the group and attain the prestigious status. They responded to high fives and pats on the back better than anything else and keeping a smile on my face, ensured they did the same. You are your child's best role model, they will do what they see you doing. If you want them to lead a healthy, positive life- show them the way. It doesn't take much, run and they will follow.

- Obesity is a real epidemic in our country and very little is being done to change the dismal forecast. It's predicted that by 2010, 50% of our kids will be overweight. There were kids in the cross-country running group who were overweight, and at such a young age, were fully aware of their appearance and inablity to keep up with other kids. Their self-esteem was lower and they ran out of steam faster. Kids should get to be kids for as long as possible. When a child of 8 or 9 years old can't keep up with their friends during recess or an after school program, how must that affect his/her confidence and well being over time?

I highly recommend anyone volunteer with their kids during physical activities especially. You cannot very well lecture your kid about losing weight or being healthy if you don't practice what you preach.