Nutrition In Children - What They Should Be Eating!
ADvTECH Group • April 21, 2020
The Importance of Good Nutrition For Children
Proper nutrition is essential for the health and wellbeing of your child. By helping them establish a positive relationship with food, you’re able to support their physical and mental development. Let’s take a closer look at the importance of healthy eating in early childhood.
A varied and nutrient-dense diet is best for your child’s healthy development.
What is childhood nutrition?
Early childhood nutrition refers to the ideal diet for healthy children from 2 through to 11 years of age. A parent can help their child’s optimal development by establishing a nutritional diet and routine from an early age. By focusing on proper nutrition while your child is still young, you can set the groundwork for a healthy relationship with foods that support their growing needs. It can be harder to introduce these sorts of eating patterns when your child is a bit older and more resistant to routine.
The benefits of healthful eating for children
Just like quality sleep, exercise and play, what your child eats plays a huge role in their wellbeing. Other benefits of a nutritional diet include:
● Mood improvement
● Stabilised energy
● Sharper minds
● Maintained weight
● Prevention of a variety of physical and mental conditions
due to poor diet.
Where do I start?
As always, your GP will best be able to advise on your individual child’s needs. However, there are some universal guidelines that can help set you up for success in this regard.
Here are some tips to consider:
● Balance. Ensure your child receives a balanced diet. This is a one that features all the different food groups such as proteins, healthy fats, carbs, fruits and veggies.
● Don’t skip breakfast. Make nutritional breakfasts a priority. This sets your child up for a better day and is a great way to instill good eating habits from early on. Aim for a breakfast that includes a protein such as eggs.
● Variety. Let your child explore a variety of fruits, veggies and grains for a healthy microbiome. A varied diet makes eating fruits and veggies fun and ensures your child receives all the different vitamins and minerals they need.
● Encourage mindfulness. Set a good example and be present at mealtimes or let your child cook with you. Rather discourage eating in front of the TV or with distractions, so that your child can chew and digest their food properly.
● Consider the alternatives. There are so many healthful alternatives to kid-favoured foods. A homemade smoothie is a great replacement for ice cream, as are roasted nuts in lieu of chips.
● Create comfort, not fear. A nutritional diet for your child needn’t come with food fear. The odd sweet is quite alright. Instead, foster an environment where food is a positive topic.
Healthy foods for kids:
Include:
●
Lean meats such as chicken breast, fish
● Grains such as brown rice, oats, quinoa or millet
● Healthy fats such as oils, avocado, nuts and legumes
● Seasonal fruits and veggies
Limit:
● Red or fatty meats
● White flour carbs such as white bread and pasta
● Sweetened dairy products
● Processed sugars including soda, sweets and sauces
● Processed foods or microwave meals
● Takeaways and fast food
Helping your child form a healthy diet will ensure they maintain their best health, both physically and mentally.
Where emotional intelligence, belonging and wellbeing shape confident, high-achieving students
Each year on 14 March, schools across the globe celebrate Pi Day, a playful tribute to the mathematical constant π (3.14). Numbers may seem abstract at first glance, yet behind every formula lies a story of discovery, logic and imagination. Mathematical thinking shapes the way young people analyse the world, solve problems and innovate in fields ranging from medicine to technology. Passion for mathematics rarely appears overnight. Curiosity often provides the starting point. According to Camilla Pretorius, Principal of Trinityhouse Centurion , mathematical confidence develops when students realise that the subject is not about memorising formulas but about exploring patterns and ideas. “Mathematics is fundamentally about curiosity,” Pretorius explains. “Students begin to thrive when they understand that problem-solving is a journey rather than a test of instant ability.” Early childhood plays a critical role in shaping attitudes towards numbers. Young students naturally explore patterns, shapes and quantities through play long before formal lessons begin. Counting steps on a staircase, sorting colourful objects or building towers all introduce foundational mathematical concepts. Teachers who encourage exploration help students associate mathematics with discovery rather than anxiety. Games, puzzles and open-ended questions transform classrooms into spaces where curiosity flourishes. Confidence grows when mistakes become part of learning. “Students sometimes arrive believing they are ‘not maths people’,” Pretorius says. “Changing that mindset requires patience and encouragement. Progress becomes visible once students understand that effort and persistence build mathematical ability.” Academic performance improves when students believe they can succeed. Mathematical confidence determines whether a student will attempt a challenging problem or avoid it entirely. Supportive classroom environments allow students to ask questions, test ideas and learn through trial and error. Teachers play a central role in shaping that environment. Encouraging discussion, celebrating creative thinking and analysing mistakes openly helps students develop resilience.
Celebrating multilingual education at Trinityhouse, where identity, inclusion and global readiness grow together. Experts: Samantha Nkosi, Raesetja Ntuli and Maché Piek (Trinityhouse Centurion Teachers) International Mother Language Day, celebrated annually on 21 February, offers schools across South Africa an opportunity to reflect on language inclusion, cultural diversity and identity. At Trinityhouse Schools, language education is not only about academic achievement. It is about building culturally confident, globally aware students who are proud of their roots. In the early years, language shape’s identity. When young children hear Sepedi, isiZulu, Afrikaans or their home language spoken in the classroom, they feel recognised and valued. Introducing home languages in Pre-Primary affirms cultural heritage at a critical stage of development. Children who encounter familiar words, songs and greetings settle more quickly into school life. Multilingual exposure through music, storytelling, indigenous games and augmented reality books strengthens vocabulary and builds early literacy foundations. Students explore the meaning of their names and surnames, deepening pride in their identity. When a child’s mother tongue is acknowledged, confidence grows. Participation increases. Classrooms become spaces where diversity is celebrated naturally. Early language inclusion supports emotional wellbeing and strengthens school readiness, creating confident students from the very beginning. As students’ progress through Preparatory School, continued development of home language skills alongside English strengthens academic performance. Research and classroom experience consistently show that students who maintain strong home language proficiency demonstrate improved comprehension, stronger reading skills and greater conceptual understanding. Teaching strategies such as repetition, guided group reading and small discussion circles allow multilingual students to participate without pressure. Students often explain concepts in Sepedi before bridging into English, reinforcing understanding and building academic confidence. Parents play a pivotal role in this journey. Daily reading in both English and home languages, storytelling and regular conversation strengthen vocabulary and cognitive development. A strong foundation in a home language enhances English acquisition rather than hindering it. Multilingual students develop cognitive flexibility, empathy and adaptability, essential skills in today’s interconnected world. Aligned with South Africa’s 11 official languages and a strong commitment to diversity in education, Trinityhouse continues to broaden its African language offerings. At Trinityhouse Centurion, Sepedi was introduced at Pre-Primary and Preparatory in 2019 and will be extended to Grade 8 in 2027. Offering Sepedi as a First Additional Language affirms students’ linguistic heritage within an academic setting. When students see their home language valued at high school level, it strengthens identity, belonging and pride. At the same time, multilingual students develop cultural awareness and global readiness. The Sepedi department will prepare students for the IEB National Senior Certificate examinations in their matric year. A structured academic pathway, rigorous assessment standards and active collaboration within the IEB Sepedi cluster across Pretoria and Gauteng will ensure consistency and academic excellence. Close cooperation between the Preparatory and High School departments will further support a smooth and well-coordinated implementation in 2027. Adolescence is a critical period of identity formation. Language inclusion directly influences student confidence, wellbeing and belonging. Being able to connect socially through a shared language reduces isolation and fosters community. Through Respect, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, Public Speaking, assembly celebrations and events such as Heritage Day Fire Feast, Trinityhouse creates spaces where students celebrate linguistic pride through praise poetry, storytelling and song. These moments strengthen engagement, participation and cultural appreciation. International Mother Language Day reminds us that language is more than communication. It is memory, belonging and identity. At Trinityhouse, raising globally competitive students who are proud of their heritage means ensuring that cultural identity and academic excellence walk hand in hand.
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