Parents feel the pressure to build healthy habits for their kids – and themselves

For parents, everyday choices get overwhelming. What’s for dinner? Did I remember to book that doctor’s appointment? Is my child eating enough healthy foods? Did they get enough exercise?

A new national survey from Abbott confirms parents are feeling the pressure. The new research, conducted by leading marketing and analytics company, Kantar, shows the following:

• Almost all parents surveyed, 94%, believe the habits their children form today will shape their health as adults
• Seven in 10 worry their child could develop a chronic disease later in life
• Almost nine in 10 parents feel pressure to model healthy habits for their family, yet more than 40% say they don’t always feel able to live up to that expectation

On top of the everyday decision making, the added stress and worry over the health of our children can be overwhelming. It’s a familiar tension: wanting to do right by your kids while juggling packed schedules, rising costs and endless advice.

Helping families with healthy habits early

Supporting families through those moments is central to Abbott’s work. For more than a century, Abbott has focused on preventing, diagnosing and managing chronic disease through science‑based innovation. That commitment also means helping families feel more confident about everyday health choices, especially early in life.

That belief drives Abbott’s partnership with Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind Sesame Street – working together to provide free, multilingual resources at Sesame.org/HealthyHabits that make healthy habits around sleep, movement and nutrition feel approachable, fun and achievable.

Families can explore:

• Storybooks and read‑along activities with familiar characters
• Activities that encourage movement, balanced eating and routines
• A Global Family Special, Elmo’s World: Dance Party!, on YouTube and YouTube Kids

We aim to meet families where they are and help kids set the foundation for healthy habits early in life to reduce the risk of chronic disease later in life.

Barriers to health extend beyond parenting

The survey data shows parents care deeply about their children’s futures, but parents aren’t alone in feeling the pressure to live healthy. In the same survey, 74% of U.S. adults say most chronic diseases are preventable – yet only one in four feel very confident managing their own health. With conditions like diabetes and heart disease affecting three in four adults, many feel the urgency but struggle to act due to things like cost, confusion and overwhelm.

Keeping healthy living practical

“Healthy living shouldn’t feel like a full‑time job,” said Dominique Williams, MD, MPH, nutrition medical director at Abbott. “Small, consistent habits – around food, movement, emotional wellbeing and preventive care – can make a meaningful difference over time.”

Williams recommends the following to make healthy living attainable for everyone: 

• Add nutritious foods to every meal – colorful produce, legumes, nuts
• Move your body daily. Start with a 10‑minute walk or a 15‑minute bodyweight routine. Break activity into 5–15‑minute segments if needed
• Schedule daily self-care to reduce overwhelm – journal, walk the dog or stretch
• Keep track of your basics: sleep, hydration and movement
• Maintain preventive care, including annual checkups

Because every healthy snack, walk around the block and bedtime routine is more than a moment. It’s a small step toward prevention and a healthier future.

Explore expert insights, survey data and practical tools at Abbott.com/HealthyHabits. Parents can also find heart‑healthy, family‑friendly meal ideas to help with daily routines for under $15, below.

The Abbott Chronic Disease Survey was conducted by marketing data and analytics company, Kantar, among 4,000 U.S. adults, including 2,000 parents, representing a wide range of backgrounds and geographic regions.

Heart‑Healthy, Budget‑Friendly Meal Ideas

To make healthy eating feel more accessible, we’re sharing the below heart‑healthy meals that are easy, affordable and family‑friendly.

1. Chicken, Veggie & Brown Rice Skillet

(~$13–$15 total)

What’s Made Heart Healthy

• Brown rice for more fiber
• Potassium-rich veggies (spinach, carrots)
• Season with herbs + lemon instead of salt

Ingredients

• 2 cups brown rice
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken
• 1 bag frozen mixed vegetables
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 onion + 2 cloves garlic
• Low‑sodium chicken bouillon/broth
• Paprika, oregano, black pepper, lemon

Directions

1. Sauté onions and garlic with 1 tbsp olive oil
2. Add diced chicken; cook until lightly browned
3. Add brown rice, veggies, and low-sodium broth
4. Cover and simmer ~30–35 minutes
5. Stir in spinach and lemon before serving

2. Vegetarian Black Bean & Veggie Quesadillas

(~$9–$11 total)

What’s Made Heart Healthy

• Use whole‑grain tortillas for fiber
• Add bell peppers & spinach for antioxidants

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans, rinsed
• 1 can corn, rinsed
• 1 bell pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 8 whole‑grain tortillas
• Cumin, paprika, black pepper
• Optional: spinach

Directions

1. Mix beans, corn, diced pepper, and optional spinach
2. Season with cumin, paprika, black pepper (skip added salt)
3. Assemble quesadillas using light cheese
4. Toast in a non-stick pan (no extra oil needed)
5. Serve with salsa or plain Greek yogurt

3. Turkey & Spinach Pasta

(~$13–$15 total)

What’s Made Heart Healthy

• Choose whole‑grain pasta
• Use 93–99% lean ground turkey
• Pick low‑sodium marinara
• Add veggies for volume + nutrients

Ingredients

• 1 lb whole‑grain pasta
• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1 jar low‑sodium marinara
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups spinach (fresh or frozen)
• 1 onion
• Italian herbs, garlic

Directions

1. Cook pasta
2. Sauté onion + garlic with olive oil, then add turkey
3. Stir in marinara and spinach; simmer 5–7 minutes

Combine with pasta; top with basil or a sprinkle of parmesan