Meals
The foundation for creating good eating habits is established already in childhood which in turn provides a good foundation for adult health.
Regular meals
For healthy growth and development, a child needs various nutrients and foodstuffs which are provided by a balanced home-cooked diet. Children remain happier and more energetic if they have regular meals. A child is sensitive to fluctuating blood sugar levels caused by hunger and meals spaced too far apart; tantrums and irritation may be caused by hunger.
Important:
- A child needs regular mealtimes: breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner, supper.
- If a child’s energy intake exceeds the amount needed for growth and activities, the child will gain weight.
- With an exercise or physical activity that the child enjoys, they burn more energy.
- The child should be allowed to decide how much they eat; the parents, however, decide what groceries to
- buy from shops and what the family has for dinner.
- A child normally can already estimate how much to eat and when he or she is full.
- A six-year-old can learn to peel potatoes and butter a slice of bread.
References and other links
- Vauvan kaa – materiaali, Urbaani vanhemmuus- hanke, koordinointi Metropolia Ammattikorkeakoulu
- Lapsen ravitsemus, Duodecim
- Leikki-ikäisen ravitsemus ja ruokailu, THL