Healthy Family Home

Part of the Healthy Family Home philosophy is the power of small, sustainable changes. Like many things in life, achieving balance between activities, work, school, family, friends, etc is challenging but important. Reach for a variety of tools to support your family, including different physical activities to keep your body and mind interested.

Our goal is to provide you with enough variety in all areas of Healthy Family Home—Play Every Day, Eat Healthy, Family Time—that you can pick and choose the tips and activities that make the most sense for your family at any given time amidst any circumstances. We are providing ideas and suggestions, but the real life changes come from your family’s new choices. And remember, it is okay to have a ice cream, it is okay to take a day off from exercise, it is okay to want some “alone” time. Healthy Family Home is all about moderate changes here and there that can add up to a healthier, happier home environment.

Bring a healthier way of living to your family by exploring Healthy Family Home. Find simple ways to incorporate healthy habits that will make a difference for your entire family.


Play Every Day

All family members should be effective role models by participating in all of the guidelines below:

  • Moderate, fun, physical activity: try for at least a total of 60 minutes every day (which can be spread out in 10 to 15 minute intervals), and include outdoor activity whenever possible.
  • Vigorous, fun, physical activity three days a week: aim for 20 minutes total on these days and include outdoor activity whenever possible.
  • Bring adults and kids together in physical activities in order to provide opportunities for connecting and modeling positive behavior.
  • Limit screen time to less than two hours per day (television, video games, computer). Meals should not be consumed in front of a screen.

Eat Healthy

All family members should be effective role models by participating in all of the guidelines below:

  • Serve fruits and vegetables at every snack and meal. Offer fresh fruit and vegetable options daily.
  • Make water the primary drink option every day. Other options should be non-sugar-sweetened.
  • Include a whole-grain or protein option with every snack.
  • Provide healthy, unsaturated-fat foods at meals and snacks.
  • Emphasize moderation, balance and variety.

Family Time

All family members should be effective role models by participating in all of the guidelines below:

  • Provide each child with one-to-one time every day.
  • Sit down as a family for one meal each a day.
  • Involve kids in snack and meal preparation and cleanup every day.