QT30: Encourage your child to get up and get moving!

Hey parents, grandparents, babysitters and friends, help the children in your life get up and move! Did you know that only 1 in 3 children are physically active? Let’s change that! Not being physically active is not an option. Research shows that children and teens spend more than 7 hours per day on devices like computers and phones. As a parent or caretaker, you can help play a role in getting children to be more physically active. Plus, you’ll get to spend plenty of quality time with them too!

Changing habits that you might be stuck in as a family can be tough, but here are some tips on how to get started:

• Talk to your child’s healthcare provider: talking to a healthcare provider is great because they can show both you and your child why physical activity is so important!
• Find fun, age appropriate activities: find something that you both enjoy doing! If you’re not having fun, chances are you won’t want to do it. Check out our full list of QT30 activities HERE
• Make a plan: play can be spontaneous, but sometimes it helps to plan ahead so you two have one on one quality time.
• Be a role model: if your children see you being active and enjoying it, chances are they’ll want to join in the fun!
• Turn off the TV and put away the phones: limit TV watching, computer use and phone time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that screen time should be limited to 1-2 hours per day. Use all that extra time to go for a bike ride, read a book or play a game!

We are strong supporters of spending at least 30 minutes of quality time with your child. Staying active and spending quality time with your child can lead to a happy and healthy life! Find out more about QT30 and your child’s development HERE.