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Once children start kindergarten or school, life takes on a new routine. A regular intake of food is needed throughout the day to keep children active and help their concentration while learning. Some children in this age group are still fussy, so offer a wide variety of foods and regular meals and snacks, and allow the child to eat according to their appetite without force or arguments.

Children are able to decide how much food they need for activity and growth if allowed to eat according to their appetite. Forcing children to ‘clean the plate’ or giving sweets as rewards may lead to problems of overeating later in life. Allow your child to decide how much food is enough.

This shouldn’t cause problems for most children if a variety of are consistently offered. Offer a small serve first and give your child more if they are hungry. Meal sizes will vary, as the amount of food a child needs depends on what else has been eaten during the day.

Children continue to learn new skills and ideas about food when eating outside the home. They can be involved in preparing their lunch box and helping their carers make Preparing meals together is a great opportunity to give children positive messages about nutrition, such as ‘milk makes your bones strong’ or ‘bread gives you energy to play’.

Suggestions for lunches include:

  • and drinks can be frozen in hot weather
  • taken to kindergarten

Snacks are an important part of a child’s food intake for energy and nutrients.

What children eat is more important than when they eat

Children who snack on lollies and chips may not get all the nutrients needed for good health.

Healthy snack suggestions include:

  • pieces dip. By this age
  • children can eat independently
  • enjoy the social aspects of eating

Having friends means eating out of home more

There may be an occasional meal at a fast food restaurant. They may go to a party with lots of sugary and fatty snacks. These things will do no harm as long as good nutrition is continued on most days.

Food is an important part of special occasions for everyone and should be enjoyed.

However, high energy treats are best kept for special occasions and are not recommended for lunch boxes. Children grow at a steady rate during the kindergarten and early school years.

Strict or low-fat diets are not recommended because children’s energy and nutrient needs are high.

If you’re concerned about excessive weight gain, a good approach is to: Consult with your doctor.

Develop healthy eating habits for the whole family

Encourage regular physical activities for everyone

Limit the time spent watching television and using screens. from a young age.

Physical activity helps children feel good and promotes a healthy appetite

For this age group, 3 hours per day of active play spread out over the day is recommended and only one hour or less of screen time.

While formal sports aren’t necessary for fitness, children can benefit from your encouragement and guidance. Suggestions include:

  • Watch less television
  • have less screen time. Play games in the back garden or a local park

Go for a walk to the park or playground.

Participate in kindergarten and school activities

Be involved in regular, fun activities with your children.

Active children need plenty of fluids

Low-fat milk can be combined with fresh fruits for a smoothie as a great afternoon snack. General food tips for growing children include: Offer a variety of foods every day.

Encourage healthy eating for everyone in the family

Let your child decide if they are full or hungry.

Offer healthy snacks between meals

Involve children in meal preparation

Encourage water rather than sweet drinks

Enjoy family mealtimes and activities together

(24 hours, 7 days) Tel. (24 hours, 7 days) Tel. About food and preschoolers Allow your child to eat according to their appetite healthy foods Meals for kindergarten healthy lunches mixed sandwich, fresh fruit and a tub of yogurt lean meat and salad in pita bread, with dried fruit and a carton of plain milk dairy foods Healthy snacks for preschoolers fresh and dried fruits, or fruit packed in natural juice yogurt or cheese fruit bread, bun or muffins bread, rice cakes or crackers with spread vegetable Treats are best kept for special occasions Strict diets aren’t recommended for children Encourage physical activity for children Children should be encouraged to be physically active Teach your child to swim Healthy drinks for children Around 3 glasses of milk a day provides enough calcium for bone development; water Sweet drinks such as juice, soft drink or cordial Food tips for growing children Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Dietitians United States 1800 812 942 Maternal and child health nurse Maternal and Child Health Line 13 22 29 Parentline 13 22 89 Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids .

Key Points

  • This shouldn’t cause problems for most children if a variety of are consistently offered
  • Snacks are an important part of a child’s food intake for energy and nutrients
  • What children eat is more important than when they eat
  • Food is an important part of special occasions for everyone and should be enjoyed
  • Strict or low-fat diets are not recommended because children’s energy and nutrient needs are high