Nutritional Development
Young children need to develop healthy eating and physical activity habits early on in their life. Children often pattern their habits from their parents or caregivers; that is why being a good role model is essential. Preschool-aged children quickly grow up and change mentally, socially, and physically. They also need healthy food to meet their growth and development.
For children to grow and develop to their full potential, they need the correct foods at the proper time.
The most crucial time for good nutrition is during the first one-thousand-day period. This is from pregnancy until the child’s second birthday.
When children are at the age of 6 months, they need to be introduced to their first foods. Young children should be fed frequently and with adequate quantities throughout the day. Their meals need to be nutrient-dense and of a variety of food groups.
Children’s first foods are often low in energy and nutrients. Their diets include sugary drinks and packaged snacks that are high in sugar and fat.
Poor diets in early childhood can lead to deficiencies in nutrients and vitamins. When a person has a vitamin A deficiency, it could weaken a child’s immunity and increase their risk of becoming blind.
Photo By Tamas Pap
It is difficult to meet children’s nutritional needs, and many parents often face barriers in securing nutritious, affordable, safe, and age-appropriate foods for their children.
Have you ever heard You are What you Eat? Let’s move to the next lesson to learn more about this question.