Tips On How To Get Your Family Healthier And More Connected
Rising rates of obesity and related chronic disease tell us that getting kids active should be a top priority for parents, schools, and all Canadians.
Here are some tips on how you can help your family become more active, eat nutritiously, and build stronger bonds:
Increase physical activity:
Aim for 60 minutes of moderate, fun, physical activity every day (it can be spread out into periods of 10-15 minutes each). Make sure to include outdoor activities whenever possible.
Participate with your kids in regular physical activities. When you’re active with your kids, it sends them an important message about healthy living!
Eat nutritious foods:
Serve fruits and vegetables at every snack and meal.
Eat at least one meal per day together, as a family.
Involve kids in healthy snack and meal preparation as much as possible.
Make water the primary drink option.
Reduce screen time:
Limit screen time to less than two hours per day (television, video games, computer) and encourage outdoor play as much as possible.
Mealtime is a great opportunity to connect with each other. Aim to have televisions, computers and mobile devices off during meals.
Remove TVs and computers from your child’s bedroom.
Be a good role model:
Live an active life! Choose to walk to school, the local store or go for a run with the kids!
Have an open conversation with your kids about what physical activities they like to do.
Set aside designated family play time on the weekend.
Written by the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. Read more at https://ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca