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9.01.2026

Growing Healthy, Growing Strong: 5 Things Families Can Do During National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, a time to focus on helping children build healthy habits that support their growth, development, and lifelong well-being. For families with young children, the first five years are especially important. During this time, children develop eating habits, activity patterns, and daily routines that can influence their health for years to come.

The good news is that healthy habits do not require expensive equipment, strict diets, or dramatic lifestyle changes. Small, everyday actions can make a big difference. Parents and caregivers have the opportunity to create positive environments where healthy choices become part of family life.

As part of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, here are five simple things families can do to support healthy growth and development for young children.

1. Make Family Mealtimes a Priority

Family meals are about much more than food. Eating together helps children learn healthy eating habits, practice communication skills, and build strong connections with caregivers.

When possible, sit down together for meals and snacks. Offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy options. Young children may need to be introduced to a new food many times before they are willing to try it, so patience is important.

Remember that healthy eating does not have to be perfect. Focus on offering nutritious options and creating a positive mealtime experience instead of pressuring children to clean their plates.

If your family needs support accessing healthy foods, First 5 Nevada can help connect you with food and nutrition programs and resources designed to support families with young children.

2. Get Moving Together Every Day

Young children are naturally active and learn about the world through movement. Running, jumping, climbing, dancing, and playing outside all help children develop physical skills while supporting healthy growth.

Try incorporating movement into everyday routines:

• Take a family walk after dinner.
• Have a dance party in the living room.
• Visit a local park or playground.
• Play simple games like follow-the-leader or tag.

The goal is not organized exercise. The goal is making movement fun and part of daily family life. Children are more likely to stay active when they see their parents and caregivers enjoying physical activity too.

While you're on the move, you can also build your child's growing brain. Vroom Tips™ offer simple, science-based ideas that help parents turn everyday moments into learning opportunities. During a walk, for example, you can count steps together, talk about what you see in the neighborhood, or compare colors, shapes, and sounds. These small conversations help support learning and development while keeping children active and engaged. Vroom provides more than 1,000 free tips in English and Spanish that are easy to incorporate into daily routines.

3. Choose Healthy Foods and Drinks

Healthy eating habits begin early. The foods and beverages children are offered during their first five years help shape their preferences and eating patterns for years to come.

Parents and caregivers can support healthy growth by:

• Offering plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Serving water and milk instead of sugary drinks whenever possible.
• Choosing whole grains and lean proteins.
• Providing regular meals and healthy snacks throughout the day.
• Letting children listen to their hunger and fullness cues.

It is also important to remember that young children often need repeated exposure to new foods before they are willing to try them. If your child refuses a vegetable today, don't give up. Continue offering it alongside familiar foods without pressure.

Shopping on a budget? First 5 Nevada can connect families with food and nutrition programs and resources that help make healthy eating more accessible for households with young children.

4. Establish Healthy Sleep and Screen Time Routines

Sleep plays an important role in a child's physical health, emotional well-being, and ability to learn. Consistent bedtime routines can help children get the rest they need while creating a sense of security and predictability.

Simple bedtime habits might include:

• Reading together.
• Taking a bath.
• Listening to calming music.
• Turning off screens before bedtime.

It is also helpful to balance screen time with active play, outdoor exploration, and family interaction. Screens can be educational and entertaining, but children benefit most when technology is just one part of a well-rounded day.

Creating routines around sleep, meals, and play helps children know what to expect and supports healthy development across all areas of growth.

5. Use Available Resources and Ask for Support

One of the most important things families can do is remember they do not have to do everything alone.

Nevada offers a wide variety of programs and services that support young children's health, development, education, nutrition, and family well-being. Your child's pediatrician is also a valuable partner in supporting healthy growth. Regular well-child visits allow health care providers to monitor your child's growth, answer questions about nutrition and physical activity, and address concerns before they become bigger problems. If you have questions about your child's eating habits, physical activity level, sleep patterns, or overall development, don't hesitate to ask.

First 5 Nevada's Health and Safety and Milestones resources can help families learn more about children's health, connect with available services, and prepare for conversations with health care providers.

If you ever have questions about your child's development, nutrition, health, or readiness for school, First 5 Nevada can help connect you to trusted programs and community resources across the state.

Every Small Step Counts

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month is a reminder that healthy habits start early and grow over time. By focusing on family meals, active play, brain-building activities, healthy routines, and community support, families can help children develop the skills and habits they need to thrive.

The first five years are full of opportunities to build a strong foundation for lifelong health. Whether it is taking a walk together, trying a new vegetable, reading a bedtime story, or exploring a new resource, every small step helps.