A study of 8500 4-year-old children (representative of national demographics) has revealed that having three simple family routines will significantly lower obesity rates:
- family meals at least 5 evenings per week,
- 10.5 hours or more of sleep on weeknights, and
- 2 hours or less of screen time (TV and/or computer) per weekday.
Obesity rates varied significantly with the number of family routines. The more routines, the lower the rate of obesity. Families with all three routines had 40% lower obesity that those with none! (View graph.)
PositiveTip: Turn off the TV, eat supper together, and make sure kids get plenty of sleep to help children be healthier and happier.