School-Aged Child Nutrition - My Child Has - Children's Hospital Boston

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School-Aged Child Nutrition

School-Aged Child Nutrition

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Clinical Nutrition Service

Helpful feeding information for your school-aged child:

School-aged children (ages 6 to 12) continue to need healthy foods and nutritious snacks. They have a consistent but slow rate of growth and usually eat four to five times a day (including snacks). Many food habits, likes, and dislikes are established during this time. Family, friends, and the media (especially TV) influence their food choices and eating habits. School-aged children are often willing to eat a wider variety of foods than their younger siblings. Eating healthy after-school snacks are important, as these snacks may contribute up to one-third of the total calorie intake for the day. School-aged children have developed more advanced feeding skills, are better at feeding skills, and are able to help with meal preparation.

The following are some helpful mealtime hints for school-aged children:

Always serve breakfast, even if it has to be "on the run". Some ideas for a quick, healthy breakfast include the following:

fruit

milk

bagel

cheese toast

cereal

peanut butter sandwich

yogurt

Take advantage of big appetites after school by serving healthy snacks such as the following:

fruit

vegetables and dip

yogurt

sandwich

cheese and crackers

milk and cereal

Set good examples for eating habits.
Allow children to help with meal planning and preparation.
Serve meals at the table, instead of in front of the television, to avoid distractions.

Healthy food choices:

The USDA has revised their eating guidelines to help all age groups eat a variety of food while encouraging the correct amount of calories and fat. The new focus is on variety, moderation, proportionality, activity and gradual improvements to eating habits.

The "My Pyramid" plan can be personalized based on age, sex and activity level. Based on information provided, "My Pyramid" will recommend appropriate calories as well as fruit, vegetables, grain, meat/bean, milk and oil servings per day to ensure adequate nutrition.

More information can be found at Mypyramid.gov


					Children's Hospital Boston is the primary pediatric teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School

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