Dear Editor Carol,

I have two boys, ages 6 and 8. My 6 year old was diagnosed last year with juvenile diabetes. Both boys are active at school and participate in local soccer programs in the fall but I'd like to get them into some regular running as well.

I'm a recreational runner myself (10-15 mi/week) and I know how beneficial it can be. We live in New Hampshire so running outside can be tough in the winter.

I have a treadmill so weather isn't that big an issue. What I'm interested in is times per week and length of time/speed recommended for a child.

I know that exercise will be beneficial to both my children and obviously of great benefit to my younger one but I certainly don't want to push too hard. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Dear Cheri,

I am going to recommend the same distances for your kids that we recommend for any kids. There is a recommended distance chart on our advice/training page. Your six year old could probably start at 1/4 mile to start and then increase it as the year goes on. Your eight year old should be able to run longer. They've both been playing soccer so they must already be doing a lot of running.

Please browse the site, look at our programs. Consider the Run the Seasons Program and the Log-A-Mile program.

Now as for the diabetes, I am sure that you are in close contact with your child's physician as to all aspects of his health including exercise. If not, you should be.

My running buddy, Susan, has two sons with juvenile diabetes. They both monitor their blood before, during, and after any exercise period. Please speak to your doctor about this.

Susan has spoken to me often about her sons who were diagnosed with this disease six years ago. I asked her if she would like to write a little letter to you and she agreed. It is printed below. Good luck, and please keep your kids active.

Dear Cheri,

As the mother of 2 juvenile diabetic sons, I am a firm believer in exercise as the key to lifelong diabetic care.

It has been our family experience that the boys were able to continue their normal, regular physical activities. We made sure they always had snacks in their pockets wherever they went. It's been six years since my sons were diagnosed with diabetes. My eighteen year-old son has played on the high school soccer team for four years and my sixteen year-old son has been on the team for two years.

An update on Cheri's kids. They are off and running. They've started our Log-a-Mile program and Sue's son, Matthew looks just great in the soccer photo above. Do you have a child with special health needs? If so please share your story with the visitors of KidsRunning.Com.

Do you have any questions about a child's running program? Feel free to email the kid's editor at carol.kids@rodale.com.