For many parents today, encouraging children to stay active is no longer as simple as sending them out the front door. Between packed school schedules, endless screen time, and busy daily routines, an active childhood now needs to be built with clear intention.
This was the core of the latest conversation between Dani Barretto, Nikki Gil, and renowned nutrition expert Dr. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa on The Bare It All Podcast. The episode opened with a striking reality check: data from the DOST-FNRI shows that 77.5% of Filipino adolescents do not get enough physical activity, with nearly 8 in 10 moving far less than they should.
A Big Shift for Families
For Dani, this challenge feels deeply personal. She looks back on her own childhood, where playing outdoors with neighbors came naturally and children only headed home when called for meals. Today’s parenting feels completely different. Instead of asking kids to stop playing, many parents now find themselves gently pushing them to go outside, swim, kick a ball, or simply move their bodies.
Nikki summed up this change perfectly: “It is no longer automatic. It needs to be scheduled.”
The discussion also laid out exactly why outdoor play feels harder now: constant access to screens and on-demand entertainment, the comfort of staying indoors, fewer safe public playgrounds, protective parenting instincts, extreme heat, and children who are already exhausted from school work. Even when parents suggest heading out once the weather cools down, Dr. Agdeppa noted that many children simply say they no longer have the energy.
Why Movement Matters So Much
Dr. Agdeppa emphasized that inactivity is a serious concern. When children do not move enough, the imbalance between what they eat and how much energy they burn raises early risks of overweight and related health issues. It can also hinder proper growth and keep muscle mass from developing fully.
The impact goes far beyond physical health. Lack of activity affects brain development, focus, concentration, and school performance. It also shapes confidence and how children learn to connect with others socially.
Small Steps to Active Habits
Nikki shared that getting started does not require grand plans. Sometimes it begins with “setting aside screen time for a while and letting children choose what to do next.” More often than not, she observed, “it leads to active play naturally” because the instinct to move is always there.
Technology is not the enemy either. Dani acknowledged how screens helped her daughter learn words, understand emotions, and express herself, while noting that balance is key. Screen time must always be paired with hands-on play, outdoor time, and face-to-face interaction.
That balance starts with parents. Nikki put it simply: “You cannot out-talk a bad example.” Dr. Agdeppa agreed, adding one essential habit: “Parents should eat and move alongside their children.”
Fuel for Growth and Activity
Nutrition and movement go hand in hand to support healthy development, motor skills, and energy levels. For busy parents, finding food that is both nourishing and loved by children makes building better routines so much easier.
Dani shared that Cheez Whiz has long been a staple at her family’s table, from baked mac and cheese to fun, easy school sandwiches. Nikki called it a total win: it gives kids something they already enjoy while delivering key nutrients, making it a reliable choice for quick, no-fuss baon.
This ties directly to Cheez Whiz’s “For the Strength to Do More” campaign, which champions active play powered by proper nutrition. As Nikki explained, the goal is to give kids enough fuel not just to get through the day, but to thrive, explore, and dare to try new things. It is also a reminder to parents: helping children build good habits begins with living those habits yourself.
Start Today, One Small Choice at a Time
Raising active children does not need to be overwhelming. It can start with simple, intentional moves: setting a screen break, making a snack together, taking a short walk, trying a new game, or simply showing your child what an active, balanced life looks like. With the right nourishment, regular movement, and your guidance, every child can gain the strength to play more, do more, and grow into their best self.
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