Abstract:
From physical & mental health development point of view, diet pattern during childhood years is a critical. Management of food and nutrition at this stage of kids (and children) shapes the development of eating behaviors and habits during adulthood. The food habits inculcated at this stage of life play significant role in future development, overall health, and the prevention of obesity, and other lifelong diet-related chronic diseases. The author of this research argues that an age-appropriate nutrition pattern is an essential factor in the overall health and well-being of kids (or children). Scientific management of food and nutritional aspects are key in their physical, cognitive, and emotional development. In this context, it is important to remember that nutritional requirements of kids need combination of multiple diet comprised of vegetables, fruits, protein, grains, and dairy products on daily basis. In nutrition management of kids, parents and others around in the family make significant contribution.
This research work aims to investigate into key considerations in management of nutrition pattern for kids. Stated differently, this presentation offers question to this answer: “which nutrients are needed and in what amounts for kids”? Appropriate examples and scientific facts in support of the research statements made have been quoted by the author in this work. Secondary data been used in this work, and method of data analysis is ‘descriptive’. Data are largely ‘qualitative’ in nature; they were collected from secondary sources.
Analysis of data indicates that kids need proper nutrition during their formative years. It is important to remember that the “best-suited-eating pattern strategy” for overall growth and development of kids should essentially envisage twin considerations: (a) age-group, and (b) outdoor activity level (in terms of exercises/out of home activities). With respect to outdoor activity, the author makes a specific point that significant proportion kids (both boys and girls) in the new millennium (characterized by “digital revolution”) , in all regions of the globe, spend most of their time using screen, including mobile technology, and associated social media platforms. This practice has severe negative consequences on the overall health of kids. Addiction to mobile technology and its misuse are aspects that require special consideration. In this very context, the author presents this brief fact: kids are not likely to eat every food that are served to them. Its answer lies in this brief description: “parents should necessarily introduce kids, in an appropriate manner, to a variety of foods that are best-suited to them”.
In conclusion, it is important to plan nutrition pattern for kids. Carefully managed nutrition pattern for kids should reply on a healthy balance of three factors, namely, (1) diet management, (2) exercise and outdoor activities, and (3) conducive lifestyle. Findings of past research indicate that five main food groups (grains, dairy, protein, vegetables, and fruit) are a good starting point for diet of kids. A healthy and balanced diet pattern have potential to ensure required vitamins and minerals needed for overall physical and mental health of kids; they while improve their immune systems.
