How to Make a Difference

• Don't reward children with food. Candy and snacks as a reward encourage bad habits. Find other ways to celebrate good behavior.
• Practice what you preach. If you're practicing healthy habits, it's a lot easier to convince children to do the same. Incorporate healthy activities into the time you spend with children. Take walks, ride bikes, go swimming, garden or just play hide-and-seek outside. Everyone will benefit from the exercise and the time together.
• Limit TV, video game, and computer time.
• Be an advocate for healthier children. Insist on good food choices at school cafeterias and vending machines.
• Bring kid-friendly, healthy snacks to classroom parties and other school events.
• Get kids to be active at your child’s next birthday party by bowling, roller skating, or playing picnic games.
• Encourage school administrators to join the HealthierUS Schools Challenge. This nationwide award program, created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, challenges schools to promote good nutrition and physical activity. Schools that are doing the very best work are recognized, and high-achieving schools even receive monetary incentives.
• Sign the national petition calling for an end to childhood obesity discrimination and bullying. Forward the link to five friends to encourage them to sign too.