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5.01.2026

Use “Move Your Way” to Power Up Your Preschooler

If you’re a parent of a toddler or preschooler, you know that “sitting still” isn’t exactly in their vocabulary. 

Between the ages of 0 and 5, children are naturally wired to move, explore and play. But as screens and busy schedules creep in, it can be hard to know if they’re getting the right kind of activity to help them grow up strong.

The Move Your Way® tool from the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) is designed to take the guesswork out of physical activity. 

Here is how and why your family should use this resource to jumpstart a lifetime of healthy habits.

Why Focus on Movement for Ages 0–5?

For the "under 6" crowd, physical activity isn't about gym class or structured workouts—it’s about growth and development. According to the national guidelines supported by Move Your Way:

• The 3-Hour Goal: While older kids need 60 minutes a day, preschoolers (ages 3–5) should ideally be active for at least 3 hours throughout the day.
• Brain Power: Movement isn't just for muscles. For young children, active play helps build new brain connections, improving focus and even helping them sleep better at night.
• Building Blocks: This is the critical window for developing "fundamental movement skills"—jumping, balancing, throwing, and kicking—that serve as the foundation for sports and fitness later in life.

How to Use the Move Your Way Tool for Your Family

The Move Your Way website offers several interactive features and resources specifically for parents. Here’s how to make them work for you:

1. Discover "What Counts"

Many parents think "activity" means a soccer league or swimming lessons. The Move Your Way resources show that for toddlers, everything counts.

• Chores as Play: Helping "wash" the car with a sponge or raking a tiny pile of leaves is physical activity.
• Active Transit: If you’re going to the park, let them use their tricycle or scooter instead of the stroller.
• Indoor Energy: Use the tool's suggestions for "stuck indoors" days—like animal walks (crawling like a bear, hopping like a frog) or a living room dance party.

2. Use the Interactive Activity Planner

The tool features a weekly activity planner that allows you to set goals.

• Personalize it: You can select activities your child already likes (like playing tag or visiting the playground) and see how they add up.
• Print and Post: You can print out a personalized plan to hang on the fridge. For a 4-year-old, seeing a "plan" with pictures of them playing can be a huge motivator.

3. Share the "Fact Sheets for Parents"

The tool provides downloadable, easy-to-read fact sheets. These are great for:

• Syncing with Caregivers: Give a copy to your child care provider so everyone is on the same page about limiting "sitting time" (screen time).
• Quick Tips: They offer "pro-tips," like using commercial breaks during a show to see who can do the most jumping jacks.

Making it a Family Affair

The biggest takeaway from the Move Your Way campaign is that kids follow your lead. When you use the tool to find ways to move together, you aren't just checking a box for their health—you’re building a bond.

Whether it’s a "follow the leader" walk around the block or a 5-minute yoga session before naptime, using these resources helps turn movement from a chore into the best part of your child’s day.

Ready to get started? Visit odphp.health.gov/moveyourway and find your family’s move today!