Take the First Step Toward a Healthier Family
Healthy Weight and Your Child is an evidence-based YMCA program designed to support children and families in building healthier habits together. Through education, nutritious eating, and regular physical activity, families gain practical tools to create positive, lasting lifestyle changes. The program pairs a child with a trusted adult, recognizing that a supportive home environment plays a vital role in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
Led by trained YMCA staff, the program creates a safe, encouraging, and engaging space where families learn together, move together, and grow together. Participants also receive a FREE Y membership for the duration of the program!
Program Details
What You Can Expect
Program Schedule:
26 total sessions over approximately 4 months
- 1 Family Information Session
- 25 Program Sessions
- 20 sessions meet twice weekly
- 5 sessions meet once weekly
Group size of 10–15 children, each attending with an adult
Each session lasts 2 hours and includes:
- Full-group learning (children and adults together)
- Adult peer discussions
- Youth peer physical activity
- Family physical activity time
Families begin with a required Family Information Session, where YMCA staff review the program structure, expectations, and session activities. Height and weight measurements are taken privately to confirm eligibility, with adult measurements completed after eligibility is verified.
This session gives families the chance to ask questions and understand the commitment before the program begins. With parent or guardian permission, the YMCA may also communicate with referring healthcare providers to confirm enrollment and share attendance updates.
Throughout the program, families can expect a supportive, judgment-free environment focused on building healthy habits together through education, physical activity, and family engagement.
Education to Empower You
The Healthy Weight and Your Child program emphasizes practical education that families can apply at home right away. Through interactive lessons and hands-on experiences, families gain the knowledge and skills needed to build healthier routines together:
- Family-Centered Learning: Strengthen connections by working toward shared health goals
- Nutrition Education: Learn practical strategies for healthy eating and meal preparation
- Healthy Meal Planning: Build skills to plan balanced, nutritious meals
- Eating Healthy on a Budget: Discover ways to make nutritious choices affordable
- Grocery Store Tour: Gain confidence in making healthier food choices while shopping
- Family Physical Activity Education: Learn fun, accessible ways to stay active together
- Take-Home Workbook: Reinforce learning with a comprehensive at-home resource
Who Qualifies?
To participate, families must meet the following criteria:
- The child must be 7–13 years old at the start of the program
- The child must carry excess weight, defined as a BMI at or above the 95th percentile
- The child must receive medical clearance from a healthcare provider (including school nurses) to participate in physical activity
- One adult (parent, guardian, or caregiver) must attend all sessions with the child