Strategies The Routine For A Child

Active, growing children require good nutrition to build healthy bodies and to help them be the best they can be. Many attitudes towards food are shaped during early school years, forming the basis for future eating habits. As parents we can help our children build healthy foundations by encouraging a love of good food and good nutrition throughout these years.

Growing bodies

Primary school years are busy ones and children need good nutrition to help them concentrate at school and to fuel their day to day activities (play and sport). Children of this age are also constantly growing. As well as providing enough fuel for day to day activities, a child needs nutritious foods to grow and develop normally.

A Healthy Eating Pattern

An eating pattern that includes a variety of foods from across the food groups will provide children with the range of nutrients and fuel they need. This means:

• Eating plenty of vegetables, legumes and fruits
• Eating plenty of cereals (preferably wholegrain), including bread, rice, pasta, and noodles
• Including lean meat, fish, poultry and/or alternatives
• Including milk, yogurt and cheese (reduced-fat varieties are not suitable for children under 2 years)