From Screen Time to Play Time: Helping Kids Find the Strength to Do More

For many parents, getting children to move more is no longer as simple as opening the front door. Between school, screens, and busy routines, active childhood now often must be built with intention.

That was the heart of Dani Barretto's recent conversation with Nikki Gil and nutrition expert Dr. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa on The Bare It All Podcast. The episode opened with a reality check: DOST-FNRI data cited in the discussion show 77.5% of Filipino adolescents are not getting enough physical activity, with nearly 8 in 10 moving less than they should.

For Dani, the concern feels personal. She recalled a childhood where playing outside with neighbors was part of the day, and children usually went home when it was time to eat. Parenting now feels very different – instead of asking children to come home from play, many parents now find themselves encouraging them to go out, swim, kick a ball, or simply move.

Nikki captured the shift: "Hindi na siya parang automatic. It needs to be scheduled." The conversation also showed why outdoor play can feel harder today: screens and on-demand entertainment, the convenience of staying indoors, fewer playgrounds, protective parenting, hot weather, and children who are already tired from school. Even when parents suggest going out later when it is cooler, Dr. Agdeppa noted that some children may say they no longer have the energy.

For Dr. Agdeppa, the issue is very serious. When children do not move enough, she explained, the imbalance between what they eat and the energy they spend can contribute to overweight and health risks at an early age. She also said lack of movement can lead to poor growth and development and keep muscle mass from developing to its optimum.

The effects are not only physical. Dr. Agdeppa explained that inactivity can affect brain development, focus, concentration and school performance. It can also shape confidence and social development.

For Nikki, encouraging movement can start small. Instead of planning an elaborate activity, she shared that sometimes it begins with "removing that option from the table for a little bit" and letting children decide what to do next. Often, she observed, "it always ends up in active play" because children still have that instinct to move.

Still, the conversation did not treat technology as the enemy. Dani shared that it helped her daughter learn words, emotions and self-expression, while recognizing the need to balance screen time with toys, outdoor play and social interaction.

That balance begins with parents. Nikki shared that children follow what they see more than what they are repeatedly told to do. Her reminder was clear: "You really can't out lecture a bad example." Dr. Agdeppa echoed this with one simple habit: "Parents must actually eat and move together with their children."

The same principle applies to food – Dr. Agdeppa said physical movement and proper nutrition work together to support growth, development and motor skills. For busy parents, food that is both nourishing and kid-approved can make improved routines easier. Dani shared how Cheez Whiz has long been part of her family's table, from baked mac to fun-shaped school sandwiches, while Nikki called it a “win” when kids already enjoy something that also offers nutrients, especially when parents need a quick, reliable baon.

Through its "For the Strength to Do More" campaign, Cheez Whiz continues to champion active play supported by proper nutrition. As Nikki shared, the idea is about having enough fuel not just to get through the day, but to thrive, try something new, and do more. It also speaks to parents, reminding them that helping children build stronger habits starts with modeling those habits at home.

In the end, raising active children can begin with small, intentional choices: a shorter screen break, a sandwich prepared together, a walk outside, a new sport to try, or a parent modeling the habits they hope their children will build. With nourishment, movement and support, children can find the strength to play more, do more, and grow into the best versions of themselves.