School-Aged Child Nutrition

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
    
• 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:

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