Nutrition
Similar to infancy and toddler-hood, proper growth and health depends on good nutrition and adequate sleep. However, preschoolers are more likely than infants and toddlers, to become overweight and develop sleep-related issues especially if they are not very active in their daily lives. This is due to the fact that preschoolers eat less in portion to their size than infants do, because as their growth slows down, preschoolers eat fewer calories per kilogram of body weight. According to Papalia et. al., “beginning at age 2, a healthy diet is the same as for adults: primarily fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low fat and non-fat dairy products, beans, fish, and lean meat” (2008). As parents and guardians, we have to remember to allow preschooler to self-regulate their eating by eating when they are hungry rather than feeding children on a schedule. This allows children to regulate their own caloric intake and avoid over-eating to help reduce the chances of obesity. According to a study done by Canadian Paediatric Society, “a quarter of Canadian children are obese, and the major contributing factors are poor diet and lack of exercise” (Papalia et.al.,2008).
The video below is a fun way to teach children about healthy eating!
Similar to infancy and toddler-hood, proper growth and health depends on good nutrition and adequate sleep. However, preschoolers are more likely than infants and toddlers, to become overweight and develop sleep-related issues especially if they are not very active in their daily lives. This is due to the fact that preschoolers eat less in portion to their size than infants do, because as their growth slows down, preschoolers eat fewer calories per kilogram of body weight. According to Papalia et. al., “beginning at age 2, a healthy diet is the same as for adults: primarily fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low fat and non-fat dairy products, beans, fish, and lean meat” (2008). As parents and guardians, we have to remember to allow preschooler to self-regulate their eating by eating when they are hungry rather than feeding children on a schedule. This allows children to regulate their own caloric intake and avoid over-eating to help reduce the chances of obesity. According to a study done by Canadian Paediatric Society, “a quarter of Canadian children are obese, and the major contributing factors are poor diet and lack of exercise” (Papalia et.al.,2008).
The video below is a fun way to teach children about healthy eating!