At a time when children are more overweight than ever, the littlest tweak to their daily routines can have a very positive effect. The opposite course of action might cause family problems on a large scale. Here's our guide to improving the whole family's health through weaning your child from car to foot..

The problem

Your children's health is at risk if they are elading a sedentary lifestyle - more so than your own. Their development can be afftected by lack of muscular use, meaning that it could be extremely hard, in later years, to build up those muscles. This is a cycle of inactivity that it is best to nip in the bud.

The solution

Below are five easy ways to take the crucial first steps to secure your child's health.

1) Take up the challenge

Try walking 10,000 steps a day, alongside your child. Research shows it improves health and burns up to 500 calories. Buying pedometers can help keep track of how many steps are taken. To increase the appeal to kids, you could use a colourful chart, or set goals that are rewarded by healthy treats. Kids love a challenge - but don’t make it a competition. Keep things fun, that way they’ll become habit. Use stairs instead of lifts and escalators; make a game of it by guessing how many stairs there’ll be before counting them out as you go.

2) Put the car keys down!

Don’t be put off walking your kids to school by the ‘great’ British weather. Splashing around in a pair of wellies is part of the appeal! The same goes for a trip to the shops. Try visiting local alternatives to the supermarket, and planning your shopping in advance, so that you can avoid carrying too many bags. Introducing kids to interesting places, like green-grocers and butchers, is exciting and educational. Encourage older kids to walk or cycle to and from their friend’s houses or when running errands.

3) Step by step

Have a designated “walking day” (or days) during the week when there’s strictly no use of the car. Once this has been observed for a while, increase the number of days. A bit of give and take is important for not putting kids off a healthy idea altogether. Gradually, try getting off the bus one stop earlier. Similarly, allow for “screen time”, on the computer or in front of the TV, as reward for being active - but set a limit.

4) Best foot forward

Kids are naturally active and have lots of energy to expend, given the opportunity. So encourage and praise activity – don’t nag. If a child feels pressured then chances are they will avoid doing whatever gives them that sense of unease. Similarly, try not to be too overprotective. If the route is well-known and the time of day reasonable, let you kids enjoy the freedom and responsibility that comes with going somewhere by themselves – you’re not their chauffeur!

5) Routine rambling

If your kids are used to the idea of walking more regularly, it won't upset them or daunt them, and will probably become enjoyable.Dogs are handy as they’re exciting; the concept of taking one for 'walkies' is a entertaining, not boring exercise. If you don't have a dog, perhaps there’s a neighbour or friend who does, who would be more than happy to let your child walk it.

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