It is not for nothing that we have the often-used, cliché: All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Most of us agree, but when it comes to letting our children work out a sweat, we offer multiple excuses to stop them from taking up a sport—or any physical extra-curricular activity. Reason: Our priority is studies, rather than a game of football. But listen to the health experts. They say a balanced diet plus adequate exercise and sports help kids achieve optimum genetic growth and cognitive functions. Hence, sports should be made compulsory for children till they are 19 to help them realise their full potential of physical and mental growth. That underlines the close linkage between physical activities and nutrition.