Nutritional Needs For School Going Children

Every individual has specific nutritional requirements and these, if unfulfilled can result in deficiencies. This holds especially true for children between the ages of 3-11 as they are in the growing phase of their life. Though the genetic pattern is prefixed, the environment plays a major role in modifying the physical, mental and emotional characteristic of the child. The nutritional needs depend on the rate of growth and the activity level of the child rather than the chronological age of the child.

Nutritional needs

The nutritional requirements of a school going child depend on his or her growth and development, as these do not occur at a uniform rate throughout life. Growth is very rapid throughout infancy but gradually slows down during childhood and stays that way till the period of adolescence. Since childhood is a time of considerable physical activity, the energy requirements are higher. Since the body is developing, protein requirements are the maximum since they are considered to be the building blocks of the body. The protein requirements of a child are higher than that of an adult's protein requirement. On the other hand, fat should provide 30 per cent of the total calories. Apart from these the requirements of all the mineral and vitamin should be taken in appropriate amounts to prevent any nutritional deficiency.

Food acceptance

Due to peer pressure, the child prefers to eat certain foods while avoiding all others. The child should be taught the importance of each food but never be forced to eat.
Due to group influence, the child learns to try new foods that are not commonly cooked at home and demands for the same at home.
A school going child has a good appetite and usually has a few dislikes. But still if the child does not eat well, it is due to the fault of the parents as they are unduly concerned with the eating habits of the child and force things on the child.
The appetite is reduced due to illnesses. The child needs emotional as well as moral support during this phase, since the needs are high and the intake is low.

Food habits

Good food habits develop in childhood. What a child learns during this phase of life is followed throughout life. So it is the responsibility of the parents to inculcate healthy eating habits in their children. Here are some tips:

• Food should be served at a fixed time and preferably on the table.
• The new food should be introduced in a group. It has been observed that the child learns to eat the new food, in the company of peers.
• The child should be explained the importance of every food and why it is necessary to eat that. This not only increases the awareness of the child but also motivates him to eat the food.
• Never use food as a bribe as then the child will start demanding his favourite at the pretext of doing some work.
• Do not emphasize on one particular type of food or favorite food too often.
• Ask the child to sit and eat with the rest of the family and not alone. This will teach the child table discipline and also ensure that he learns to eat with everybody in the family.

In general, adequate nutrition should be achieved by consuming a wide variety of commonly available foods. Fats should be given in moderation as heart disease starts developing in childhood only. Overeating and excess weight should be avoided in childhood as this results in an obese adult. By following healthy habits of food and nutrition for your school going kids, you will ensure that as adults they stay fit and healthy.