You\u2019re working hard to help your family be healthy. But with outside influences like social media, friends, and advertising, sometimes it can feel challenging to keep everyone eating healthy and staying active. These 6 tried and true habits can help you keep your kids at a healthy weight:<\/p>\n
Drinking sweet drinks like juice,<\/a> soda, tea, and sports drinks<\/a> is associated with excess weight in kids \u2014 and grownups. All we really need is water. It\u2019s good to also offer some milk for the protein, vitamin D, and calcium. It\u2019s fine to use plant-based milks<\/a> as long as you avoid those with added sugars.<\/p>\n Whether it\u2019s walking, running, dancing, gymnastics, or playing sports, get your family moving! Encourage kids to get 60 minutes of physical activity each day \u2014 sustained aerobic activity helps keep the body healthy. Not to mention all the other benefits of playing with friends at the park, going for a walk with your family, or training with a sports team<\/a>. These let kids learn about friendships, commitment, hard work, and fun!<\/p>\n Reduce screen time and increase time on other activities and hobbies. Spending less time on devices helps keep kids leaner and healthier. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no media use for children under age 18 months, a 1-hour limit for kids ages 2\u20135 years, and a parent-monitored plan for use in older children. If you limit their screentime<\/a>, it encourages them to spend time in other ways that are healthier for their growing body.<\/p>\n Kids are so smart and curious; you can help them stay healthy by teaching them about healthy foods and encouraging them make healthy choices. Check out MyPlate.gov<\/a>. It\u2019s filled with tools to learn about healthy eating and recipes that work for all ages. It even has videos and games like Grocery Store Bingo for your kids to enjoy.<\/p>\n Not eating breakfast is associated with excess weight in kids and lower nutrition overall. So, make sure your kiddos start every day with breakfast. It can be simple like cereal and milk, but of course it\u2019s best to avoid sugary cereals!<\/p>\n For kids, that\u2019s at least 8 hours and up to 13 hours per night, depending on their age. Some of the best news about reaching a healthy weight is that getting enough sleep<\/a> helps keep you lean! We know that too little sleep is associated with extra weight in kids and their parents. So be sure all of you get lots of zzzzs<\/a>.<\/p>\nKeep kids moving!<\/h3>\n
Limit the media time.<\/h3>\n
Educate kids about healthy eating.<\/h3>\n
Serve ’em a healthy breakfast.<\/h3>\n
Get plenty of sleep.<\/h3>\n
Resources For Parents:<\/h3>\n