Healthy Child Weight
Helping children maintain a healthy weight supports their overall health and wellbeing. Making small changes like eating well and being active can benefit the whole family - and it’s never too early or too late to start.
Children grow best when they have a balanced diet and stay active. Visit the NHS Better Health – Children’s Weight website for helpful advice on healthy growth and how to support your child’s wellbeing.
For simple, low-cost ideas to eat well and move more, visit the NHS Better Health website. You’ll find healthy recipes, tips, and fun ways to get the whole family involved.
Supporting healthy weight for children in South Tees
Healthy steps for families
Keeping active every day
Children should be active for at least one hour every day. If you're already doing this - that’s great! Mixing different types of activity, like brisk walking and more energetic movement such as running or cycling, helps build strength and fitness.
Visit the NHS Better Health website for ideas to keep children moving in fun and engaging ways.
Try the NHS Healthy Steps email programme
The Healthy Steps programme is a free 8-week email series from the NHS. It includes easy tips, fun games, healthy swaps, and budget-friendly recipes to support your family’s health. Visit the NHS website to sign up and get support straight to your inbox.
Talking to your child about their health
Talking to your child about health, food and being active can help them build healthy habits and feel good about themselves as they grow.
Talking about weight can sometimes feel difficult. For this reason, it is up to you to decide whether you want to share this information with your child.
If you choose to talk to your child about their weight, try to focus on health, growth and feeling well, rather than weight, body shape, or appearance. A positive and supportive conversation can help your child understand the information without feeling worried or judged.
The University of Bath has created a practical guide to help parents and carers talk to children about weight, health, and growth in a positive and supportive way. The guide includes tips on how to answer questions and have age-appropriate conversations. To explore the guide, please visit the University of Bath website.
Across South Tees, there are programmes to help children live happy, healthy lives:
Families in Redcar and Cleveland can access support through the Best Start Family Hubs. Support is available to help families with the following:
eating well
being active and moving more
feeling confident and emotionally well
positive parenting and setting routines
The programme is designed to support parents and carers in creating a healthy home environment.
To find out more, visit the Redcar and Cleveland Family Hubs website or speak to your local health visitor.
There is also support available through the School Nursing service for school aged children to support families with promoting healthier lifestyles.
Please contact the Health Visiting and School Nursing Team by calling 01642 4440111.
For families in Middlesbrough, support can be provided through the Growing Well, Growing Healthy programme. This programme supports families with children who are 0-5 with a focus on the benefits of nutrition from your child's earliest days. A wide range of services from infant feeding support to weaning, nutrition and activity advice as children grow into their school years.
Support is also available through a bespoke intervention to support, identify and address lifestyle habits for children aged 5-11 years through positive behaviour change. Please contact the Growing Well, Growing Healthy Team on 0300 303 1603 or download the HDFT Children’s Health Service App via the App Store or Google Play for more information.
Support in South Tees
