News Articles, Fact Sheets, Reports...
A boy holding radishes
A Balanced Diet
A balanced diet gives your body all of the essential nutrients it needs to stay active, healthy, and strong. Learn how you can balance your diet to get the energy you need throughout the day.
Buffington, A., Lindsay, A. 2019, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
2 girls and a instructor balancing on one foot.
Active Bingo
A fun game to help encourage physical activity among children.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
2 girls holding up their arms in the shape of a Y.
Alphabet Stretch
A fun game to help encourage physical activity among children.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, CM-2020
A group of kids jumping like a frog.
Animal Moves
A fun game to help encourage physical activity among children.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, CM-2020
A group of kids balancing on a line of tape on the floor.
Balancing Act
A fun game to help encourage physical activity among children.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, CM-2020-3048
Four kids standing in a line holding balloons.
Balloon Fun
A fun game to help encourage physical activity among children.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, CM-2020-3047
Beagle Brunch
A healthy recipe for preschool aged children to bring for lunch.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
milestones
Behavioral Milestones 2-5 Year Olds
From 2 to 5 years old, children grow and develop in ways that affect behavior in all areas, including eating. The timing of these milestones may vary with each child.
USDA 2020, United States Department of Agriculture
running obstacles
Cardio Endurance | Heart Smart
Cardio- Respiratory, or “Cardio” Endurance is an important element to children’s physical fitness.
Lindsay, A. & Byington, T. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP
Cheetah Chicken
A healthy recipe for preschool aged children to bring for lunch.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
cartoon of kids and books
Children's Books About Energy Balance & Physical Activity
All books listed have been peer-reviewed by academic institutions.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP
fruit bowl
Choosing Healthy Snacks for your Preschooler: Go, Slow, Whoa Snacks
A guide to help your preschooler choose a healthy snack following the Go, Slow, Whoa guidelines.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
A group of kids jumping on one foot.
Count my Moves
A fun game to help encourage physical activity among children.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, CM-2020-3046
A girl crossing her feet.
Crossing my Feet
A fun game to help encourage physical activity among children.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, CM-2020-3045
A kid laying on the floor with their body being traced on a piece of paper.
Dancing Partner
A fun game to help encourage physical activity among children.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, CM-2020-3044
burger
Eating Healthy at Restaurants - Choosing Healthy Items No Matter Where You Are
Making healthier choices at restaurants can make all the difference to maintain a healthy energy balance .
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP
A family at the park.
Energy Balance & Childhood Obesity
The Healthy Kids Resource Center provides evidence-based research, resources, curricula, activities and materials that focus on obesity prevention and promoting energy balance in your child's life. Teach children the importance of both eating a balanced diet with foods they like and being physically active.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
school kids running to class
Engagement Strategies That Promote Physical Activity
Using positive engagement strategies in fun, playful social settings are key to promoting physical activity.
Lindsay, A. & Byington, T. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP
Flamingo Fritters
A healthy recipe for preschool aged children to bring for lunch.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
kids on playground
Flexibility | Reach for the Stars!
Flexibility is an important part of a child’s fitness and includes movements like bending, twisting and stretching.
Lindsay, A. & Byington, T. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP
3 kids following the instructor as they jump one one foot around a room.
Follow the Leader
A fun game to help encourage physical activity among children
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, CM-2020-3043
washing strawberries
Food Safety Tips For Preschoolers
10 Tips to Keep Food Safe and Clean
CDC 2020, Center for Disease Control and Protection, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
balance exercises
Fundamental Movement Skills | Active Kids Are Active Adolescents
For many children sports and physical activity aren’t natural, aren’t easy and it may not be fun!
Lindsay, A. & Byington, T. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP
Two parents on a walk pushing strollers.
Get Moving!
It can be a challenge to schedule an exercise plan into your busy life. Try stepping up your current routine without adding more commitments to your schedule and get moving!
Lindsay, A. 2009, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
rollerblading in park
Get Ready, Get Set, Let's Go!
A variety of tips on how to get more active in your life, whether you want to start slow or jump right into exercises.
Lindsay, A. 2009, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
children exercising
Get Regular
Starting a fitness program is only half the battle. Maintaining a physically active lifestyle is the ultimate challenge. As you progress through the steps to building an active lifestyle, you reach the final step, Get Regular!
Lindsay, A. 2009, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
A family playing baseball together.
Get Up, Get Out!
Get Up, Get Out isn’t about exercise or hard workouts at the gym, it is leisure and fun that will help lay the foundation for becoming more active.
Lindsay, A. 2009, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
eating samores
Go, Slow, and Whoa Foods
We can help our children recognize which foods are better choices with GO, SLOW and WHOA.
Buffington, A. and Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, IP
Guess the Food
This fun activity allows preschoolers to guess the fruit of vegetable based on their sense of touch.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
my plate
Healthy Eating for Pre-Schooler
Following MyPlate allows your family to eat foods you love but reminds you to balance your proteins, grains, dairy, fruits, and vegetables at each meal.
Lindsay, A. 2020, USDA Choose MyPlate
signiture
Healthy Kids Resource Center - Policies, Procedures & Partners
Find links to Federal and State policies and regulations
Lindsay, A. and Taylor, S. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
Parent and Child grocery shopping
Healthy Tips for Families: Lifelong Healthy Habits Start at Home.
Today’s children have different options for food and play than children had in the past. Sadly, many food choices contain more calories and fewer nutrients than a child needs to grow healthy. Try these 10 tips to help your family!
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, IP
eating her vegetables
Healthy Tips For Picky Eaters
Exploring Food: How to Explore New Food with Preschoolers
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP
A group of kids and an instructor putting their hands over their heart.
Heart Smart
A fun game to help encourage physical activity among children.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, CM-2020-3041
hungery child
Hunger & Fullness - Building Tummy Awareness
It's wise for parents and teachers to talk to children about what it means to be hungry and what it means to be full.
Buffington, A. and Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP
A kid crawling underneath a chair for the indoor obstacle course.
Indoor Obstacle Course
A fun game to help encourage physical activity among children.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, CM-2020-3039
dinner with parents
Kids Win When Family Meals Are A Priority
Make Mealtime Quality Time
Buffington, A. and Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP
Kitchen Activities
Kitchen Activities
As preschoolers grow, they are able to help out with different tasks in the kitchen. While the following suggestions are typical, children may develop these skills at different ages.
USDA 2020, United States Department of Agriculture
eating radishes
Learning to Like New Foods - Cucumbers are cool
Does it seem like your preschooler only wants to eat the same foods every day?
Buffington, A. and Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP
A person practicing yoga in their living room.
Move Your Way
Get more active, find activities that will help you reach the minimum requirements to get the benefits of a healthy life.
Lindsay, A. 2011, Department of Health and Human Services
kids muscles
Muscle and Bone Strength | Muscles in Motion
Did you know that people who are more physically active generally use more energy even at rest than those who are not as physically active?
Lindsay, A. & Byington, T. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP
kids dancing at outdoor concert
Music & Dance | Healthy Kids Physical Toolkit
Music and dance is fun, it doesn’t exclude children who are less skilled, it can be done at school or home, with friends or family and it promotes brain development and social interaction.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP
Kids hopping on a circle.
Musical Shapes
A fun game to help encourage physical activity among children.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, CM-2020-3038
Mystery Tasting
Let your child identify fruits and vegetables (and their food group) based solely on their taste. This interactive game is fun and lets them try new food!
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
cartoon of kids reading
Nutrition Books to Read to Your Children
A variety of books that teach about nutrition, how to make healthy choices, and trying new foods.
Lindsay A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP
Obstacle Course
Obstacle Course
A fun game to help encourage physical activity among children.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
dancing
Perceptual Motor Development | Connecting the Brain & the Body
Perceptual motor development connects a child’s perceptual or sensory skills (his brain) to his motor skills (his body) so they can perform a variety of movements and confidently interact with their environment.
Lindsay, A. & Byington, T. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP
Peter Parrot Pasta
A healthy recipe for preschool aged children to bring for lunch.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
child playing
Physical Activities To Do With Your Children
Children have different needs at each age and stage of their development. Each child is also unique. If it's been a while since you've had children in the house, check out this list for activities that can help children learn, have fun, experience success, and feel good about themselves.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP
brain scan
Physical Activity Promotes Brain Development
Children who are more physically active perform better academically and have better memory and attention.
Lindsay, A. & Byington, T. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP
family image
Physical Activity, How Much Is Enough? | Active Kids Are Healthy Kids
Just for Preschoolers and Their Families
Lindsay, A. & Byington, T. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP
big and small fruit
Portion Sizes / Tamaño de Porciones
Children need smaller quantities of food than adults do for their small bodies. USDA’s MyPlate “rule of thumb” says the serving size for a child should be ½ of an adult’s serving. Many Nutrition Facts labels do not express this. It is up to the adults in their lives to ensure the proper portion sizes.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP
Pug's Power Pack
A healthy recipe for preschool aged children to bring for lunch.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
Kids jumping with scarves in their hands.
Rainbow Scarves
A fun game to help encourage physical activity among children.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
begal brunch sandwich
Recipes - Healthy Kids Resource Center
Packing a healthy lunchbox and other healthy ideas.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP
toddlers with tablet
Screen Time | Make Time to Unplug
Increased time in front of a screen means less time being physically active, contributing to higher weight and BMI, increased caloric intake & unhealthy food choices.
Lindsay, A. & Byington, T. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP
child readin
Sedentary Behavior | Don't Just Sit, and Sit, and Sit!
Being sedentary can result in more sitting and less time spent being physically active which can lead to obesity and greater risk for having diabetes and other chronic health problems as an adult.
Lindsay, A. & Byington, T. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP
shopping with child
Shopping with Kids
Your Game Plan to Grocery Shopping With Kids
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP
2 kids doing jumping jacks.
Simon Says
A fun game to help encourage physical activity among children.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
kid eat orange
Snack & Meal Time Routines
A regular routine of meals and snacks helps discourage eating all day, and preschoolers like it because they know what to expect.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP
A boy doing a crab walk as he plays limbo.
Stretchy Limbo
A fun game to help encourage physical activity among children.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
family dinner
Talking Positively At Mealtimes - Your Words Matter
As your child's caregiver, you play the biggest role in their eating behavior.
Buffington, A. and Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP
Teacher and family connections curriculum: A supplement to the All 4 Kids: Healthy, Happy, Active, Fit obesity prevention program. Sigman-Grant, M, Van Brackel, A., Byington, T. and Lindsay, A. 2013, UNCE Publication CM-13-01
healthy choice
Teaching Children To Make Healthy Choices - Empowering Children Through Language
If young children are taught early and practice healthy choices, they will make better food choices as they grow up.
Buffington,A. and Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP
climbing the ropes
The Elements of Fitness | Fit Kids Are Healthy Kids
Children should engage in indoor and outdoor active play in their pre-school and at home.
Lindsay, A. & Byington, T. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP
A kid grabbing a red ball for the treasure hunt game.
Treasure Hunt
A fun game to encourage physical activity among children.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
Using a Pedometer
Using a Pedometer
Physical activity is one of the most important things we can do to improve our health. However, finding time to incorporate an exercise regime into a daily schedule can often be a challenge. To gain some health benefits, simply increase your number of daily steps and make them more intentional and brisk!
Lindsay, A. 2009, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
Veggie Quetzaldilla
A healthy recipe for preschool aged children to bring for lunch.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
girl on scooter
What Is Physical Literacy? | Early Start, Active for Life
A young child who is physically literate is one who has the motivation confidence, knowledge, skills, and fitness necessary to enjoy a physically active lifestyle
Lindsay, A. & Byington, T. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP
yarn
Whoa and Go: Yarn Race
A fun game that encourages physical activity among children.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
Wildebeets Bowl
A healthy recipe for preschool aged children to bring for lunch.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
Zebra Zucchini Bowl
A healthy recipe for preschool aged children to bring for lunch.
Lindsay,A. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno