To optimize children’s physical, social, and emotional well-being, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, limit screen time, and regularly engage in physical activity. Findings from a recent study suggest that meeting the guidelines for physical activity and screen time is related to greater executive function in toddlers.

Executive functions are defined as neurocognitive processes that influence working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. People with lower executive functioning are more likely to exhibit low academic performance, poor physical health, financial difficulties, and substance dependence than those with higher executive function.

The study involved 356 toddlers (24 months old) enrolled in the STRONG Kids2 study, an ongoing investigation into how individual biology interacts with the family environment to promote healthy eating habits in young children. The children’s parents completed questionnaires about their child’s diet, physical activity, and daily screen time.

The investigators found that toddlers that met the AAP guidelines had greater executive function and self-control. They also showed greater evidence of emergent metacognition – the emerging awareness and understanding of their own thought processes, an essential component of the learning process. Toddlers who were physically active every day showed the highest levels of emergent metacognition. Taken together, these findings suggest that less screen time and more physical activity help children develop executive functioning skills.

• View publication abstract.