The numbers don’t lie: one in every three children in America is obese. That says a lot about not only the nation and our habits, but our parenting tactics as well. It’d be nice if we could blame technology for making us lazy, but the fact of the matter lies in our lifestyle choices.

National Childhood Obesity Week, which takes place from July 5 through July 11, is primarily observed in the U.K., the startling statistics about childhood obesity should prompt everyone in the world to take notice and get active.

MEND and the National Obesity Forum teamed up to create National Childhood Obesity Week to help raise awareness about this dangerous health epidemic, and to encourage families to get out and get active with their kids.

As part of the initiative, MEND and the National Obesity Forum established MEND’s Move It Week, which will provide over 350 healthy lifestyle programs across the United Kingdom.

I happen to live in the United States, but as a mother I recognize how serious the childhood obesity issue is. So this week, I’ll be taking control of our family lifestyle, getting outdoors more and trying to establish new routines that promote healthy eating and physical activity as a group.

Our kids are depending on us, so let’s step it up!