February always feels like a good time to hit pause and check in on how we’re really doing as families. The new year has started, schedules are back in full swing, and before we know it, weeks have flown by. And somewhere in the middle of all that, most of us are still trying to figure out how to help our kids stay healthy in a world that makes sitting still very easy.
Let’s be honest—technology has changed childhood. Screens are everywhere, and while they’re incredibly useful, they also make it harder for kids to stay active, especially as they get older. When they’re little, they’ll run outside without a second thought. But by the time they hit middle and high school, between homework, phones, and social life, being active can start to fall way down the list. That’s one reason this month’s Healthy Families Issue is so close to home for us.
While we struggle to keep our 9th grader active on weekends, Jason and I have been especially grateful watching Grace stay involved in school sports. She plays both tennis and volleyball, and because of that, she even gets to do gym workouts all year long as one of her classes. It’s been such a gift for her—not just physically, but for confidence, discipline, and friendships too.
In this issue, we’re taking a look at several parts of what healthy really means. Our feature article, “The Big 3 for Healthy Kids: Nutrition, Movement, and Rest,” breaks down the basics in a simple, practical way. It’s a great reminder that health isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about finding a balance that works for your family. We also focus on something many of us are seeing more and more: sleep struggles. In “The Silent Sleep Crisis Affecting Our Children,” we explore how screen time, busy schedules, and late nights are impacting our kids in ways we may not always notice right away. And because health isn’t just about bodies, we loved highlighting the role of activities in “Happy, Healthy, and Engaged: The Benefits of Arts and Sports Activities.”
We’re also excited to share this month’s Mom2Mom interview with Abby Ireland. Abby is a mom of four daughters and does such a great job of keeping her family moving and eating well in realistic ways. Her story is inspiring without feeling intimidating, and we think many of you will really connect with her.
At the end of the day, none of us have this figured out perfectly. We’re all just doing our best to raise healthy, happy kids in a very busy world. Our hope with this issue is simply to encourage you—to try one new habit, take one extra walk, turn the screens off a little earlier, or find an activity your kids truly love.
Thanks, as always, for reading and for being part of the River Region Parents family. We’re so grateful to walk this season of parenting with you.
