Parents play a vital role in the health of their children and can strongly influence the choices they make at school. Making good choices regarding physical activity and nutritious food leads to improved health — and healthier students are better learners.

What can parents and families do? Here are a few ideas:

Provide Opportunities for Activity
Enroll their children in after school sports, classes or recreational activities
Expose them to a variety of physical activities
Identify ways to be active around your home or community

Encourage Healthy Eating Habits
Provide healthy snacks
Prepare meals with food from all of the food groups
Cook with your children

Be a Role Model
Be active regularly — and invite your child to join you
Reduce your own television and computer time
Cook more and eat out less

Monitor Screen Time
Limit the time spent each day using computers, video games and television
Avoid eating in front of the television