The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being said.

Peter Drucker

A key component in facilitating healthy, active lifestyle habits for your child is to communicate to define their interests. While there may be times where you may need to gently encourage your child to try a new activity, sport, or event, it is imperative to know where his or her interests lie and provide or seek out opportunities and challenges that meet those interests.

By creating open lines of communication, you will learn:

• the physical activity interests of your child
• whether your child is interested in recreational or competitive opportunities
• if your child is more interested in individual or team endeavors, or both
• what goals your child has (or doesn't have) for his or her fitness
• how you can help your child achieve his or her goals

As stated in the opening quotation, sometimes the most important part of communication is what isn't being said. The more open you and your children are with each other, the better you will be able to guide him or her along the path of a healthy lifestyle.