Nutritional Habits in Children

Nutrition in Preschool Children

Preschool nutrition is the period when children start to adopt an attitude towards food. For the children of this period, which is also called the playgroup, the events around them are always very striking, and it is often seen that they are distracted during the meal. They do not like to eat vegetables and mix foods. Picky eating is mostly seen during this period. In this difficult but temporary process, there are some duties that fall on the people responsible for the care of the child. We can briefly summarize them as follows:

Parents and caregivers, if any, should know that their food habits, likes and dislikes will be imitated by the child.
Children whose daily food amounts vary should not be expected to eat the same amount every day.
No food group should be given to a child as punishment or reward. When it is said, “You cannot eat chocolate without finishing the vegetables on your plate,” the vegetable on the plate becomes a punishment for the child, while the chocolate becomes a reward.
It is necessary to sit at the table with the child and eat at the same time every day. Even if there is a meal that the child does not want to consume, it is ensured that the child gets used to it by sitting at the table together.
The child should not be allowed to consume junk food close to meal times. In this way, the child is provided to consume the main meal hungry and willingly.
In this period when the growth rate is slow and motor development takes place rapidly, it should be aimed to plan the meal plan, develop eating behavior and gain life-long positive eating habits.

Nutrition in School Age Children

School-age children, who have consistent but slower growth than the other group, need healthy food and nutritious snacks. Snacking is common in this age group. They can consume 4-5 meals a day. Apart from the family, friends and technological devices (phone, television) can also affect the food choices and habits of this age group. In this period, the desire to try new foods can be seen more compared to the preschool period. Even though they have more advanced skills than pre-school children, school-age children are still in a learning process and some responsibilities fall on the caregivers in this period. These are as follows:

These children, whose skills are developing, can be involved in the selection and preparation of food. Children who have the opportunity to choose foods and amounts according to their nutritional values will learn to make healthy choices.
Calcium, magnesium, potassium and fiber deficiencies are common in children. Therefore, the consumption of foods with these nutrients can be increased.
Children often do not think of drinking water. To ensure dehydration, it should be reminded to consume fluids during and after each physical activity.
Spending half of the day at school means that their children have some of their meals at school. School meals should not be skipped over snacks. You can make sure that your child is eating healthy at school by preparing a kid’s lunch box with easy-to-consume and portable foods.
Since the child is in the growing period, body weight changes can be very high. However, it should be noted that this is within healthy limits and a hospital should be consulted when necessary.
For more detailed information about school age nutrition, you can read our article named “School Age Calendar”.