Physical activity

Parents and other caregivers can guide children to develop lifestyle habits that will support their good health for years to come. We know that as a parent or caregiver you may not have all the answers. Like many Americans, you may even struggle to develop and stick with healthy habits of your own. One way to win this double struggle is to practice healthy lifestyle habits—together!Consuming healthful foods and beverages, doing regular physical activity, getting adequate sleep, and other factors may help children togrowlearnbuild strong bones and musclesmaintain a healthy weightreduce future chances of developing diabetes and heart diseasefeel good about themselvesAs a parent or caregiver, you play a big part in shaping children's eating and drinking habits. When you make it a habit to consume foods and beverages that are low in added sugars, saturated fat, and salt and are high in fiber, the children you care for may learn to like these foods as well. If a child you are caring for does not like a new food right away, don't be upset. Children often need to see a new food many times before they will try it.Be a role model. As a parent or caregiver, you also have an effect on children's physical activity. You…