Fidelis Care Career Events

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. It is a good time for families to build healthy habits together.

Today, many children spend time each day using computers, tablets, phones, TVs, and video games. These devices can help children learn and have fun. But too much screen time can leave less time for playing, being active, spending time with family, and getting enough sleep.

A healthy balance is important. Children who spend less time sitting and more time moving are more likely to sleep well, feel better, and stay healthy.

Why Active Play Matters

Children need daily movement to help their bodies and minds grow strong. Being active can help children:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Build strong bones and muscles
• Sleep better
• Feel less stress
• Improve mood and focus

The CDC recommends:

• Children ages 6 to 17 get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day.
• Children ages 3 to 5 should stay active and play throughout the day.

What Counts as Active Play?

Active play does not have to be a sport or cost money. Choose activities your child enjoys, such as:

• Riding a bike
• Dancing or jumping rope
• Playing tag or catch
• Walking the dog
• Visiting a playground
• Playing basketball or soccer

The best activity is one your child enjoys and wants to do again.

Make Room for Both Screens and Play

Screens are part of daily life. The goal is not to remove them. The goal is to keep screens from replacing movement, sleep, and family time.

Create screen-free times: Turn off screens during meals, family activities, and the hour before bed.

Keep devices out of bedrooms at night: Charge phones and tablets in a shared area. This can make it easier to keep a regular bedtime routine.

Move together: Take a walk after dinner, dance in the living room, or visit a park. Children often enjoy being active when adults join them.

Break activity into small parts: A child does not need to be active for one full hour at once. Short periods of movement can add up throughout the day.

Choose screen use with care: Look for age-appropriate content. When possible, watch or play together and talk about what your child sees.

Quick Family Challenge: Pick 3

Choose any three activities this week:

• Take a 15-minute family walk.
• Eat one screen-free meal each day.
• Have a 10-minute dance party.
• Visit a park or playground.
• Put devices away one hour before bed.

At the end of the week, ask: Which activity should we do again?

Start Small

Families do not have to change everything at once. Pick one goal that feels possible. Once it becomes part of your routine, add another. Every walk, game, and screen-free meal is a step toward better health.

The Bottom Line

Children need time to move, play, sleep, learn, and connect with family. A healthy balance allows room for both helpful screen use and active play.

This National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, challenge your family to spend a little less time sitting and a little more time moving. Every walk, bike ride, game, and dance party can help build healthy habits that last a lifetime.

Talk with your child's health care provider if you have concerns about your child's growth, activity level, sleep, or screen use.

Sources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Physical Activity Guidelines for Children and Adolescents
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Healthy Media Use and Screen Time Guidance
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans