12 Family-style Tips

No matter our age, physical activity and social connection are key to overall health and a sense of well-being. You can help kids nurture these habits and enjoy their lifelong benefits with a family approach to a health-conscious lifestyle. Here are 12 ti

1. Make “playtime” a family affair with time on the calendar each week for active games like kickball, basketball tag, hopscotch, dancing or hula hooping.

2. Skip the car whenever you can, and turn short trips to the store or other local destinations into family walks or bike rides.

3. Sync up activity trackers for some friendly competition among immediate and extended family members, including grandparents.

4. Look for ways to make household chores and yardwork more fun with music and dancing or friendly competitions like who can gather the most leaves or finish chores first.

5. Outdoor games in the driveway, yard or sidewalk are a great way to get fresh air and exercise, as well as get friendly with the neighbors.

6. Parking your car at the far end of lots or opting to take the stairs instead of the escalator means added steps for everyone in the family. 7. Cook and eat together as a family. Not only is chopping vegetables active work, research finds that eating meals together as a family also has social and nutritional benefits.

8. Pack school and work lunches together with your kids. It’s a great time to catch up with them, as well as ensure you’re all eating fresher less processed foods.

9. Look for local fitness or recreation centers offering family membership options. If not, nature walks, hiking and cycling are workouts that don’t cost a dime! 10. On movie nights, opt for healthy homemade snacks like air-popped popcorn with herbs, kale chips, baked sweet potato slices, granola clusters, frozen grapes, fruit ices or fresh guacamole.

11. Start conversations with your kids daily, encouraging them to share their thoughts, feelings and ideas to build a healthy parent-child connection and positive communication skills.

12. Be kind. Be encouraging. Be mindful. Approaching family time and interactions with presence and purpose makes them more enjoyable and sets a positive example for kids.