Tips for Families

The following are suggestions for families on how to encourage healthier lifestyles in their homes.

1. Limit TV, computer, & video game time.
   • If the video game requires active participation, recommend it over other games.
2. Provide healthy snacks for children and their friends.
3. Encourage children to participate in a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity per day.
   • If parents are also active, kids will be more likely to want to be active.
4. Promote breastfeeding among expectant mothers.
   • Breastfeeding decreases a child's risk of becoming overweight.
5. Provide in-home nutrition education to families.
   • This can help children learn to choose fruit over fries and milk over soda when left to make their own choices.
   • The importance of eating a healthy breakfast should be stressed to parents as a way of decreasing absenteeism and dropout rates and improving test scores.
   • Teaching regarding proper portion sizes while at home and at restaurants will help restructure eating habits.
6. Teach parents the definitions of overweight and obesity and where to find a BMI calculator.
   • Research shows that many parents do not perceive their child as overweight or obese when they meet clinical standards for the diagnosis.
7. Know where bike paths, parks, recreation centers, playgrounds, campgrounds, and nature centers are located.
8. For those parents that employ day care for their children, examine the center's (or individual's) policies on activity and nutrition.
9. Encourage children to walk or bike to school if feasible and age appropriate.
10. Ask healthcare providers for help addressing the issue with the child.
    • Healthcare providers can offer resources and referrals for all family members.

For more ideas visit: www.pe4life.com

Have your children visit www.bam.gov to learn more about being healthy and eating healthy.