Questions and Answers
How do the eating patterns of school-age children differ from those of preschool children?
School-age children often skip breakfast, consume more foods away from home, and eat more fried items and sugar-sweetened beverages than preschoolers.
What are the consequences of consuming excessive amounts of solid fat, added sugars, and sodium in school-age children?
Excessive intakes of fat and sugar contribute to obesity, while high intake of sodium may contribute to hypertension.
What is the definition of constipation in children, and what are the contributing factors?
Constipation is defined as having dry, lumpy, or hard stools that are difficult to eliminate or having fewer than two bowel movements per week. Contributing factors include low fiber intake, iron and calcium supplements, and certain medications.
Why is it essential for school-age children to eat breakfast regularly?
Signup and view all the answers
What nutrients are often lacking in the diets of school-age children, and what are the consequences of these deficiencies?
Signup and view all the answers
How can caregivers help improve the diets of school-age children?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the relationship between fiber intake and constipation in school-age children?
Signup and view all the answers
When should caregivers consider giving laxatives to a child to address constipation?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a beneficial effect of eating breakfast on children's health?
Signup and view all the answers
What is an alternative to traditional breakfast foods like bacon and eggs?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a convenient 'fast breakfast' option that school-age children can prepare quickly?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of the MyPlate Plan website?
Signup and view all the answers
What should parents and caregivers be concerned about regarding foods available at school?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a tip for improving a child's diet?
Signup and view all the answers
Why should parents avoid placing their child on a restrictive diet?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a recommendation for supporting children's healthy eating habits?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
School-Age Children's Eating Patterns
- Compared to preschoolers, school-age children often skip breakfast, consume more foods away from home, and eat more fried items and sugar-sweetened beverages.
- School-age children typically have diets that are nutritionally inadequate, providing excessive amounts of solid fat, added sugars, and sodium.
Nutrition-Related Health Concerns
- Excessive intakes of fat and sugar contribute to obesity among children.
- High intake of sodium may contribute to hypertension among children.
- School-age children often do not eat recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables, leading to low fiber intake, which can cause constipation.
Encouraging Healthy Eating Habits
- Caregivers can help improve children's diets by encouraging regular breakfast eating, which can lead to healthier body weights.
- Convenient breakfast options include leftovers, ready-to-eat cereal with milk and fruit, cottage cheese and fruit, and yogurt with trail mix or fresh fruit.
- MyPlate Plan provides a site to find recommended daily servings of food groups for children based on age, sex, weight, height, and physical activity level.
Parental Involvement
- Parents and caregivers should be concerned about foods available at school, including school breakfasts and lunches, vending machines, and nutrient-dense food options.
- They should teach children about proper nutrition and ensure schools provide nutritious foods.
Food & Nutrition Tips
- Guide family food choices and eat meals together as often as possible.
- Reduce fat, especially saturated and trans fat, in the family diet.
- Do not place children on restrictive diets unless recommended by a physician.
- Avoid using food as a reward or punishment, and encourage healthy snacks and water intake.
- Serve at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, and discourage eating while watching TV or playing electronic games.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Compare eating patterns of school-age children with preschoolers, identify nutrition-related health concerns and summarize practical suggestions for encouraging healthy eating habits.