Reduce Couch Potato Time

In Sarah's after-school program, Fit for All Kids, the hours spent on the computer, watching TV and playing video games are called "nonproductive butt time." Aside from going to the movies on weekends, she says to limit such activity to an hour a day if possible.

Since it's so easy to resort to the couch, Sarah says to have activity options ready to go. Whether it's spending time on the playground or running around the house, always have a plan...and a rainy-day backup.

Dr. Lippitt also firmly believes in keeping the television out of a child's bedroom. "Studies show that TV jazzes up your brain, keeps you awake and prohibits you from getting into a good sleep cycle," she says.