This theme encourages kids and families to build a balanced day by replacing recreational screen time with other fun activities.

Not all screen time is unhealthy. Screens can offer an important way to learn and communicate at school and at work. However, many kids use screens for recreational purposes and may sit, recline or lay down the whole time they are using the device. This kind of screen time could take time away other fun activities.

Why does screen time matter?

• Early development – Higher screen time is linked to poor brain development, language development and attention skills in the early years.
• Physical health – Higher screen time is linked to lower levels of physical fitness and unhealthy weights.
• Psychosocial health – Higher screen time is linked to behavioural issues, lower self esteem and lower psychological wellbeing.

Three ways to address screen time:

• Stay within recommended screen time limits:

Age	Recommended hours of screen time
Under 2 years	None
2 – 4 years	Less than 1 hour a day
5 – 17 years	No more than 2 hours of recreational screen time a day

 

• Put screens away during important times of the day:
  • Sleep time
  • Meal and snack time

• Replace screen time with other activities:
  • Please view our calendar of events to take part in many of our fun activities for kids and families!

This theme encourages kids and families to make vegetables and fruit a part of every meal and snack.
Why do we want kids and families to choose veggies and fruit?

• Vegetables and fruits are high in vitamins, minerals, nutrients and dietary fibre
• Vegetables and fruits give overall energy for kids and families to be physically active!

Recommended Number of Servings Per Day:
Age in Years	Number of Vegetable and Fruit Servings
2-3	4
4-8	5
9-13	6

“We can think of our child as a flower. A flower needs nourishment, love and care. Think of our children as a garden. They need a place to show their beauty and pride.” Cowichan Tribes Elder, 2009

This theme encourages kids and families to reach for water first when thirsty instead of sugar-sweetened drinks.

Why do we want kids and families to choose water?
• Children need lots of water to stay hydrated and healthy
• Water is essential for good health
• Water contains no sugar, calories, additives, or caffeine
• Water is a simple, convenient, and low-cost option for quenching thirst

This theme encourages physical activity through free play, organized sports or structured activities.

Being active every day is essential for growing children. Lots of good things happen when our kids move more:
• Stronger muscles and bones.
• Greater focus and attention.
• Self-confidence.
• Better coordination.
• Active kids are happier, they sleep better and they do better in school.