Questions and Answers
What is the age range for the preschool period?
2 to 5 years of age
Why do preschoolers' appetites decrease after infancy?
Because their growth rate slows down, they do not need as much food.
What type of foods should caregivers emphasize when planning meals and snacks for children?
Nutrient-dense foods, such as nuts and nut butters, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, whole-grain breads and cereals, fruits, and vegetables.
Why is it important to monitor children's intake of sweets?
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What should caregivers do when choosing ready-to-eat cereals for children?
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How does the growth rate of an infant during the first 12 months compare to the growth rate during the preschool years?
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What would be the approximate weight and height of a 3-year-old child if their growth rate did not slow down after infancy?
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Why is it important for caregivers to recognize that preschool children have smaller stomach capacities than adults?
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According to MyPlate plan, what is the recommended daily caloric intake for a 3-year-old boy, depending on his physical activity level?
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Why is it important to make mealtimes enjoyable for children?
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What is the benefit of offering nutritious snacks to preschool children?
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What should not be used to force children to eat unfamiliar foods?
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What can make raw vegetables more appealing to children?
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What is a characteristic of 'picky eaters' in preschool children?
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What can be a sign if a child's lack of appetite persists?
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How should caregivers respond to 'picky eaters'?
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What can iron deficiency lead to in children?
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What percentage of daily calorie intake did snacks contribute to in American children in a recent study?
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What is recommended as a daily serving of milk or dairy products for healthy preschool children?
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Why are foods with bright colors, crisp textures, and sweet or mild flavors appealing to children?
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What is the leading calorie-containing snack of Chinese children in the same study?
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Why do young children often resist eating new foods?
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What can help reduce the risk of dental caries in children?
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How can caregivers make vegetables more appealing to young children?
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Why should parents be role models for food choices and physical activity habits?
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What is the benefit of the 'one bite policy' in meal planning?
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What is an example of a nutritious snack that children tend to like, according to Table 13.7?
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Why is it important to provide nutrient-dense snacks for children?
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Study Notes
The Preschool Years
- The preschool period is characterized by a slow but steady growth rate, which slows down after the rapid growth rate of infancy.
- By 3 years of age, the average child weighs about 32 pounds and is about 3 feet in height.
- As the growth rate slows, preschoolers' appetites decrease, and they do not need as much food.
Nutrition Concerns in Preschool Children
- Iron deficiency can lead to decreased physical stamina, learning ability, and resistance to infection.
- Foods rich in iron, such as lean meat and enriched breads and cereals, can help prevent iron deficiency.
- Milk and other dairy products are poor sources of iron, so caregivers may need to limit daily servings.
Healthy Eating Habits in Preschool Children
- Caregivers should emphasize nutrient-dense foods, such as nuts and nut butters, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, whole-grain breads and cereals, fruits, and vegetables.
- Nutritious snacks, such as hummus with vegetable sticks, can be offered at midmorning or midafternoon.
- Healthy 4- or 5-year-old children can safely eat raw vegetables without fear of choking.
- Nutritious dips, such as yogurt dip, can make raw vegetables more appealing to children.
Fostering Positive Eating Behaviors
- Parents should avoid nagging, forcing, and bribing children to eat.
- Offering a variety of healthy foods each day and allowing children to choose which items and how much to eat can help promote positive eating behaviors.
- Mealtimes should be happy, social occasions to enjoy healthful foods with parents or other caregivers.
- Avoiding threats or bribes at mealtimes can help create a positive atmosphere.
Common Food-Related Concerns
- Dental caries can occur in preschool children, leading to jaw pain, gum infection, and tooth loss if left untreated.
- Brushing teeth with fluoride-containing toothpaste, providing routine pediatric dental care and fluoridated drinking water, and reducing snack frequency can help reduce the risk of dental caries.
- Food allergies, obesity, and iron deficiency are other common nutrition-related problems that affect preschool children.
Tips for Parents
- Foods with bright colors, crisp textures, and sweet or mild flavors usually appeal to children.
- Having the "one bite policy" can help children try new foods.
- Serving food on a small colorful plate can stimulate a child's appetite.
- Parents are role models for food choices and physical activity habits, so eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods and being physically active can influence children's habits.
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Description
Identify nutrition-related health concerns, practical suggestions for encouraging healthy eating habits, and steps to improve nutritional status in preschool children from 2 to 5 years of age.