Be Aware:

• that every bit of physical activity is important, and more is better.
• that physical activity and active play is essential for healthy growth and development.
• of the type of physical activity appropriate to your child’s age and stage.Keep it fun and free from stress or competition.
• that families play a key role in role modeling, providing praise and being involved.
• that regular physical activity which increases heart rate and breathing, benefits the mind and body of school-aged children.
• of the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth which includes recommendations for physical activity, time spent sitting and sleep.
• of physical activity and healthy communities information/resources available to you and your community by contacting the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit “Health Connection” line at 705-721-7520 or toll free at 1-877-721-7520.

Make It Easy:

• for your children to enjoy active play every day.
• for your children to find ways to make physical activity part of their daily routine such as walking/cycling with them to school.
• by helping children to establish adequate physical activity patterns in early childhood as this will have an impact on them later in life.
• by parking the car and walking part of the way to your destination.
• by ensuring time for unstructured physical activity in safe outdoor play spaces.
• by providing opportunities and encouragement for your children to participate in organized sport and other structured physical activity programs.
• by teaching your children that physical activity can be fun and not a chore.  Try something new and adventurous.
• to limit the amount of time spent sitting by getting active as a family in the evening.

Be Involved:

• in role modeling.  Your children watch and learn from you.  show them how easy and fun daily activity can be.
• in helping your child to develop fundamental movement skills/physical literacy so they become confident and competent in a wide variety of activity settings.
• in setting limits on screen time.
• in taking regular physical activity/stretch breaks during long road trips.
• in activity together as a family.  Explore local parks and trails.
• in supporting your child’s school with physical activity initiatives.
• in seeking investments in physical activity equipment at your child’s school.
• in supporting active and safe routes to school and a walking school bus.
• but give your children the opportunity to choose what they would like to do and how they want to be active.

Speak Out:

• by talking with your mayor or ward councilor about a healthy community design that supports you and your family to safely walk and cycle to places.
• for well-designed and maintained neighbourhood parks, natural areas and green space that enable children to safely explore and play.
• by asking about no cost/low cost physical activity programming in your community.
• for school policies that support physical activity programs and resources.
• for school play areas, equipment and facilities that support safe and active play.
• to ensure your child is provided with daily physical activity at school.
• for school support to organize an Active and Safe Routes to School program.
• for traffic calming measures and car-free zones at your child’s school.