Parent & Family Involvement

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 student health — and healthier students are better learners. So parents please encourage your children to play an active role in supporting a healthy school environment.

As a parent/guardian/family member, what can you do? Here are a few ideas:

Provide Opportunities for Activity

• Enroll 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 neighborhood

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
• Provide alternate activities for children to enjoy

Advocate for a Healthier School

• Daily physical education taught by qualified, credentialed physical educators — hopefully SPARK trained!
• Healthier school lunches in all school environments (cafeteria, a la carte line, student body sales, etc.)
• Using non-food related items for fundraisers and rewards

http://www.sparkpe.org/blog/physical-education-and-parent-involvement/