Nutrition in School-Age Children

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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?

Children who eat breakfast regularly are more likely to have healthier body weights than those who skip breakfast. 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?

School-age children often do not eat recommended amounts of fruits, vegetables, and dietary fiber, leading to constipation and other health concerns. Signup and view all the answers

How can caregivers help improve the diets of school-age children?

Caregivers can help by encouraging youngsters to eat breakfast regularly, providing access to a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole foods, and limiting consumption of fried items and sugar-sweetened beverages. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between fiber intake and constipation in school-age children?

Low fiber intake contributes to constipation, while adding fiber to the diet and ensuring adequate hydration can help prevent constipation. Signup and view all the answers

When should caregivers consider giving laxatives to a child to address constipation?

Caregivers should only give laxatives to a child under the direction of the child’s physician. Signup and view all the answers

What is a beneficial effect of eating breakfast on children's health?

Having better diets and healthier body weights Signup and view all the answers

What is an alternative to traditional breakfast foods like bacon and eggs?

Leftovers from the previous night's dinner Signup and view all the answers

What is a convenient 'fast breakfast' option that school-age children can prepare quickly?

Ready-to-eat cereal with milk and fruit Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the MyPlate Plan website?

To provide recommended daily servings of food groups for children based on their age, sex, weight, height, and physical activity level Signup and view all the answers

What should parents and caregivers be concerned about regarding foods available at school?

The types of foods offered for school breakfasts and lunches, and the availability of vending machines with healthy options Signup and view all the answers

What is a tip for improving a child's diet?

Encouraging the child to drink water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages Signup and view all the answers

Why should parents avoid placing their child on a restrictive diet?

Unless the diet is recommended by the child's physician Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommendation for supporting children's healthy eating habits?

Eating meals together as a family as often as possible 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.

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.

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Description

Compare eating patterns of school-age children with preschoolers, identify nutrition-related health concerns and summarize practical suggestions for encouraging healthy eating habits.