Building Healthy Habits in Your Kids
When our kids feel good, life is a little bit easier. Active kids are more likely to have less stress, improved mental health and higher levels of confidence and self-esteem. Encouraging healthy habits in our kids will give them a lifetime of benefits.
The American Heart Association recommends kids and teens (ages 6-17) get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. This sounds like a lot, but the hour can be split up between morning, afternoon and night: It all adds up!
So what counts as activity for your kids?
Answer: Whatever gets them moving!
- Walk or bike to and from school, camp or other activities
- Encourage active play with friends
- Turn commercial breaks into fitness breaks
- Count chore time as active time
- Role model an active lifestyle and find ways to be active as a family
To find ways to fit more activity into your child’s day, check out the many ways to reach 60 minutes of activity throughout the day. as well as a fitness guide by age group.
It’s not one 60-minute conversation.
It’s 60 one-minute conversations.
