With a steady flow of new research on children’s health, it can be challenging to find reliable information. We’ve got you covered! After verifying the facts, we reached out to those most affected by this information: kids.
We consulted our in-house experts—the children of the staff at alive.com—about various health topics that concern them.
01
Vitamin D
Question
What do you think the “sunshine vitamin” is, and why is it important?
Answer
“The sunshine vitamin is peaches! It’s important because it makes you healthy.” (Viera, age 5)
While peaches are nutritious and delicious, the “sunshine vitamin” actually refers to vitamin D! The recommended daily intake for children aged 1 to 18 is 600 IU, yet about 1 billion people globally do not meet their daily needs.
Tip! Vitamin D supplements can help reach your daily requirement of the sunshine vitamin. Always consult a medical professional before introducing a new supplement to your child’s routine.
02
Daily Exercise
Question
What is your favorite way to get your daily exercise, and why is it important for kids to exercise?
Answer
“Dancing and doing my dances. Kids need exercise because it is good for our bodies and helps us grow strong.” (Avery, age 10)
The recommendation for children aged 6 to 17 is to engage in at least moderate activity for 60 minutes each day. Unfortunately, less than 25 percent of American youth meet these activity guidelines according to the CDC.
Tip! Consider replacing less active routines with more physical activities, like biking to the store instead of driving!
03
Picky Eating
Question
Do you consider yourself a picky eater? Why or why not?
Answer
“No, I’m not picky because I love food. I wish my parents knew about candy.” (Amélie, age 10)
Estimates suggest that around 25 to 35 percent of toddlers and preschoolers are considered picky eaters by their parents. As toddlers develop, they often seek autonomy and prefer to feed themselves.
Tip! To prevent unhealthy eating habits, avoid bribing or pressuring your child to eat. Instead, let them make small choices to empower their sense of independence, like selecting between two types of fruit at lunch.
04
Sleep
Question
How many hours of sleep do you think you need each night, and why?
Answer
“You need 12 hours of sleep each night because there are 12 hours in the daytime and 12 hours in the nighttime, making a total of 24 hours in a day.” (Allegra, age 7)
While Allegra’s reasoning is adorable, kids aged 6 through 12 are actually advised to get between 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night. Sadly, about 1 in 4 children do not get enough sleep, and 1 in 3 have trouble falling or staying asleep.
Tip! If bedtime is a challenge, establishing a consistent sleep schedule can help create a routine that facilitates a better night’s rest.
05
Screentime
Question
What do you think happens if a kid spends too much time in front of a screen?
Answer
“You’ll go blind.” (Isaac, age 9)
While limited tablet time can offer benefits like access to educational resources, excessive screen time has been associated with problems such as disrupted sleep, attention issues, and reduced physical activity (though going blind is probably an exaggeration).
Tip! To help kids limit their screen time, consider keeping the TV off during meals and removing tablets from their bedrooms. It’s also advisable to avoid leaving the TV on in the background.
