file photo by Boyd Loving
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, as families kick off their health-focused resolutions for 2025, many parents are reevaluating habits that slipped during the holiday season. New research from Lurie Children’s Hospital sheds light on the challenges families face and offers actionable advice for building healthier routines.
How Holidays Impact Children’s Health
The study found that 47% of parents report their child’s diet worsens during the holiday season, with 89% blaming an abundance of sweets as the primary challenge. These holiday trends often mirror year-round health struggles, including:
- Low activity levels: Children average just 6 hours of weekly exercise, well below the CDC’s recommended 60 minutes daily.
- Parental influence: 35% of parents admit to modeling poor health behaviors, with 86% acknowledging unhealthy eating habits and 78% falling short on exercise.
Dr. Caren Mangarelli, Medical Director of Lurie Children’s Wellness & Weight Management Program, emphasizes the importance of a family-centered approach:
“Children are much more likely to succeed with behavioral lifestyle changes if everyone in the family is working to change together.”
Key Insights for Building Healthier Habits in 2025
While the holiday season often magnifies concerns about weight and health, these issues persist year-round. The study highlights some crucial points for families looking to reset their habits:
- Parental leadership matters: Children tend to mirror the habits of their parents. Improving your own diet and exercise routine sets a strong example.
- Cultural challenges: 85% of parents believe American culture hinders healthy living, making it essential for families to create supportive environments at home.
- Incremental changes add up: Small, manageable steps like incorporating a daily family walk or preparing more home-cooked meals can lead to long-term improvements.
Practical Tips for Healthy Resolutions
- Start Small and Together: Choose one habit, like reducing sugary snacks, and commit to it as a family.
- Prioritize Daily Activity: Make exercise fun by scheduling family bike rides or dance sessions.
- Reevaluate Food Choices: Stock up on healthy snacks and limit access to holiday leftovers that might derail your efforts.
- Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and reward small victories to keep motivation high.
The Path Forward
The New Year is an excellent opportunity to reset and refocus on health, but sustainable change requires a collective effort. By working together, families can create healthier habits that benefit everyone.
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