5 Ways to Keep Kids Healthy, Active & Engaged

Activate Imagination and Bodies

The Y wants to ensure all kids awaken their imaginations through healthy eating habits and physical activity. Because when a child is happy, healthy, motivated and excited something amazing is inevitably going to result. As children grow and reach their true potential, they can accomplish great things.

Start building health habits with your family now! 

1. High Five the Fruits and Veggies

Make sure kids get at least five servings a day, the minimum number nutritionists recommend maintaining healthy childhood development. And to keep kids’ taste buds evolving, have everyone in the family try at least one bite of a new fruit or vegetable at least once a month.

2. Read Together

The summer is a great time to enjoy books with summer program participants— 30 minutes a day goes a long way! Take trips to the local library or create a family reading challenge to see who can log the most minutes of reading. Encourage youth to create their own stories as well.

3. Get Moving!

Activities that require movement also help kids flex their mental muscle. Use materials in unique ways: ask youth to build models, manipulate tools or develop their own theatrical scenes.

4. Play Together

Play may be the best way to prevent childhood obesity. By putting more play into your family’s day, you will soon find yourself getting the activity that will have your family feeling energized and strong.

5. Make Sleep a Priority

Doctors recommend 10-12 hours of sleep a day for children ages 5-12 and 7-8 hours per night for adults. Sleep plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy immune system, metabolism, mood, memory, learning, and other vital functions.