Raising active and healthy kids: 7 practical pointers parents can follow

Talk with your pediatrician about ways to support an active, healthy lifestyle that helps children thrive. — SAKSIT KUSON/Dreamstime/TNS

PARENTS and caregivers influence a child’s home environment and daily routines around mealtimes, sleep, active and screen use. But if the surrounding environment does not support these healthy routines, even the best-intentioned parent, caregiver, or motivated child or adolescent faces an uphill battle.

For example, it’s much easier to raise a healthy, active child when neighbourhoods offer plenty of safe places for children to play and walk to school and where families can find nutritious food they can afford near home.