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.
One of the most significant academic decisions your child will make in their school career is which subjects to select. For many South African families, it can feel like a daunting task filled with pressure, uncertainty, and long-term consequences. But with the right support, tools, and guidance, parents can help their children make well-informed decisions that set them up for future success, both academically and professionally. The foundation of good subject choices lies in understanding your child’s academic ability and current performance. Subjects like Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Accounting require solid results in Grade 9 and a strong grasp of key concepts. Similarly, subjects like Engineering Graphics & Design (EGD) or Visual Arts cater to students with practical and creative aptitudes. Consider your child’s learning style: do they prefer theory, or do they thrive with hands-on learning? Although, it is normal to want what’s best for your child’s future, you should not force them to live up to your ideal of success. Rather initiate conversations about possible careers or areas of interest and explore how different subjects align with those pathways. Platforms like YENZA Careers are incredibly helpful in this regard. YENZA uses psychometric assessments to offer realistic subject recommendations based on your child’s strengths, interests, and potential career matches, and it gives parents access to the results too. “Choosing the right subjects is a balance of academic ability, interest, and long-term thinking,” says Sumari Purdon , Head of Academics for Trinityhouse Schools. “We encourage families to use this opportunity to start meaningful conversations about the future, with support from tools like YENZA and input from educators who know the student well.”
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