The goal of BUILT is to empower families to adopt and sustain food, sleep, and exercise routines that optimize child focus, attention, and behavior. BUILT is funded by the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Center for Health Equity Research (CHER), the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), the UIC Chancellor’s Office, and the Chicago Partnership for Health Promotion (CPHP)
BUILT is a 6-week family lifestyle program that has been developed by the Healthy Kids Lab at UIC, Urban Initiatives, and Chicago Park District. Our goals for this pilot study are to figure out:
It is our goal for BUILT to reach families across the City of Chicago and beyond.
Every family has strengths. Over the next 6 weeks we will build on yours. We will explore what science tells about the effects of sleep, nutrition, and exercise on brain development and behavior; investigate the food, sleep, and exercise routines of the world’s best athletes and intellectuals. We will get kids excited about healthy routines that fit you and your family.
We see endless potential in Chicago's families, and have convened world-class expertise and resources to empower you with the tools to control your health.
No one is more of an expert on your child and your home than you. As we embark on this journey together we promise that you will have our full attention and effort.
BUILT empowers families with the skills and resources to help children be strong, confident, and focused
BUILT values health, growth, love, and family.
BUILT children are strong and focused. BUILT parents are healthy and supported. BUILT families are UNSTOPPABLE!
Hey Kids! When you complete home challenges, you will earn tickets that you can spend on prizes!
Parents! When you complete all 3 home challenges in a given week, you will be entered into a raffle for food, sleep, or exercise equipment!
T1,500.00
Raffle Item!
T1,200.00
Parents! Click here to read a message from the Director of the UIC HKL, Dr. Eduardo Esteban Bustamante.
This Parent Handbook is a 1-stop shop for all things BUILT. Take a peek to know what to expect and how to make the most of the program.
What's a Fitbit and how do I get it to work? This Fitbit Manual will help you setup your watch and fix it when you have issues.
For the full official Fitbit manual, click here.
Parents! This document lays out the key principles you need to know to get the most out of the BUILT program.
This document packs a lot of information into 1-page regarding food, sleep, exercise, & screentime. If your child is having trouble focusing throughout the day, take a look at these guidelines!
To dive into the official guidelines see:
Does your child eat a lot of sugar? Click here to see the official authorized BUILT eat more, eat less list for long lasting energy.
Understood.org is another excellent on-line resource we highly recommend. You can learn so much listening to the experiences of children, teens, and adults of all ages talk about a variety of learning and developmental disabilities. We especially love the "Through Your Child's Eyes" feature.
The City of Chicago offers many supports and resources to families. We spent some time and organized the City's resources into one document. Find resources related to education, employment, medicine, housing, childcare, utilities, and more. Use this guide to figure out what supports are available and let us know if you need some support in reaching out to them.
The Child Mind Institute is an excellent website that provides education and resources for children & families who struggle with reading, math, or any other learning challenges. You can dive into their site to learn about strategies for helping with things like anxiety. They also have some really cool programs such as capacity-building! Give them a look here.
The state of Illinois also offers great resources and support systems for parents. Many parents of young children find it helpful to reach out to others for support or information. The IDHS resource section is a great starting point for you to educate yourself and find networks to learn from others and share your own knowledge! Find out more here.
As a parent, you are your child’s most important advocate. To give your child your best support, you may need information about early intervention or special educational resources. This site houses some great resources to help you be their best advocate and support your child's growth and well-being. Click here to learn about how you can help your kiddo thrive!
Chicago Public Schools offers a variety of resources for parents if your child is having difficulty staying focused and needs accommodations. Check out their website here for ways that you can find support for what you and your child may need for the school season!
Ever wonder what things you can do with your child that is not only fun but educational? We have to document for you! Check out the list below for some suggestions to engage in city family fun!
There is so much that Chicago has to offer for the family. Our document below lists many fun activities that are FREE on certain days! Take advantage of these to spend time with your family but also throw in some learning too!
Meet Dr. Eduardo Bustamante. By day, a scientist; by 24/7, a superhero parent, just like you! Learn the why behind BUILT and how the Parent Corner can enhance your family’s sleep, food, and exercise routines at home. Let’s Be Unstoppable in Life Together!
Listen in as Dr. Bustamante breaks down the importance of recovery, getting specific when working on new tasks, and how to help your child emotionally self-regulate through food, sleep, and exercise!
Let’s get candid with Dr. Bustamante and learn not only how the exercise, food, and sleep challenges can improve your child’s long-term brain development but also help your child better adapt to other activities such as improve sibling relationships or better their reading skills.
Fear not, for you can turn that ‘I can’t’ to an ‘I can.’ Dr. Bustamante dives deep on how you can help your kids better face challenges and encourage them to keep going.
Dr. Bustamante shares his daughter’s track journey in the 100m race. This teachable moment with his daughter could help you get your child to appreciate and celebrate their personal records too!
We are going to shift gears and talk about how to build your child’s confidence through early successes, social modeling, and/or verbal persuasion. Dr. Bustamante even gets personal about his experience with verbal persuasion and how impactful it was during his 24-mile run!
Your superpower (out of many) is creating thoughtful routines for you and your kiddos! Dr. Bustamante chats about how creating habits and routines can help the cohesiveness of your home and also help sustain healthy habits for years to come.
Dr. Bustamante gets to the nitty-gritty (and sings a few melodies) about making sure you are aware of your habits and routines. He emphasizes that your habits and routines must serve you and your family. This structure will set yourself up for success every single time.
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1919 W. Taylor St.
Room 626
M/C 517
Chicago, IL 60612
P: (312) 413-7270
F: (312) 413-0319
healthykidslab@uic.edu