Talking to kids about sensitive subjects is never easy. That's especially true when it comes to raising the issue of childhood obesity. But with an estimated 17 percent of all children in the United States classifeid as obese and another 17 percent as overweight, one thing is clear: childhood obesity is one subject that many families across the country just can't avoid talking about.

Good news for moms and dads looking raise healthy, happy kids. A recent study published in the May 28 issue of  Pediatrics finds that childern who spend time with kids who are active are more likely to exercise themselves. According to researchers who conducted the study, "...friendship ties play a critical role in setting physical activity patterns in children as young as 5 to 12 years."