Summer Sips
A storybook on creative ways to drink more water.
Drinks such as soda and juice with added sugar are unhealthy for young children. They can also cause weight gain, obesity, and cavities. In the early years, it can lead to unhealthy cravings as kids grow. Quick changes in blood sugar can also cause mood changes. The good news is, it can be fun and easy to get kids to drink more water.
Share this story with children, then try one of the recipes for “fruity water” from the story (or invite kids to get creative and invent their own). Keep in mind:
- When unsweetened, frozen or canned fruit is as nutritious as fresh!
- Preschoolers need extra water to drink when they are physically active or when it is hot outside.
- Drinking water between meals and snacks helps oral health because it helps rinse food from children’s teeth.
- Provide water breaks before and during active play.
- Let your child see you drinking water!
- Keep children’s cups within reach by the sink so older kids can help themselves.
- For safety*, cut fruit into bite-size pieces (children can eat them from the bottom of their cup with a spoon). Mash up smaller fruits such as blueberries and blackberries (or chop into pea-size pieces).
Community Gardens
Point out the fruits that the friends grew in the community garden. These gardens can be a great way to get healthy food and also to get involved in your neighborhood, and many donate to food pantries. To find one near you, enter your zip code here.
*Further information on choking hazards (check out this list of age-by-age recommendations):
- Cherries and grapes should be cut in half.
- Cherries, peaches, plums, apricots should be pitted, and watermelon pieces and slices shouldn’t have seeds.
- For fruit with skin such as apples and peaches, remove skin and slice.
S Is for Staying Healthy
Well visits are an opportunity to talk about how to help children grow and develop as healthily as possible.
Elmo and Abby’s Check-up Play Date
Pretend play can help children “rehearse” situations that may frighten them.
My Whole Healthy Life: Meet Reignen
A video about the different ways a Native American child and his family stay healthy.
My Whole Healthy Life: Meet Wa.Sta.Tse
A video about the different ways a Native American child and her family stay healthy.
Food Insecurity
Health and well-being are rights for all children, but food insecurity affects many families.
Growing Healthy Bodies and Minds with Sesame Street
In this webinar, Sesame Workshop’s Kama Einhorn, Director of Content Design, and Dr. Jennifer Shu, Medical Editor of HealthyChildren.org discuss the importance of healthy habits for young children and families.
A Conversation on Healthy Habits
In this webinar, Sesame Workshop’s Kama Einhorn, Director of Content Design, and Dr. Glenn Flores, Chair of Pediatrics and Senior Associate Dean of Child Health at the University of Miami, discuss the importance of healthy habits for young children and families.