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Nutrition plays an important role in your child’s development and wellbeing. With growing and developing bodies, proper nutrition is incredibly valuable to a preschooler. Below are a few areas where carefully planned foods will positively impact your preschooler.
Physically
Proper nutrition is imperative for a successful day in preschool. The most affordable and accessible foods often are high in saturated fats, however a diet high in saturated fats is often also high in glucose and sugar, and these affect a child’s physical well-being. Instead of feeling energized after a meal, little ones may feel sluggish, irritable, and foggy.
A preschooler needs a balanced diet of complex carbohydrates, unsaturated fats, and protein to equip them with the fuel needed to be successful in preschool. They will have the stamina to run around and play, burning off the necessary energy enabling them to focus in the classroom and have the ability to think more clearly about the tasks ahead of them.
Mentally
Proper nutrition is essential for a preschooler’s mental well-being. The foods consumed affect memory, concentration, learning, and so much more. Without the right nutrients, a preschooler’s cognitive development may be hindered causing a chain reaction of consequences. According to David Just, PhD, “… iron deficiency, even in early stages, can decrease dopamine transmission, thus negatively impacting cognition. Deficiencies in other vitamins and minerals, specifically thiamine, vitamin E, vitamin B, iodine, and zinc, are shown to inhibit cognitive abilities and mental concentration. Additionally, amino acid and carbohydrate supplementation can improve perception, intuition, and reasoning.”
Behaviorally
Proper nutrition is necessary for a preschooler’s behavioral growth. Nutrition is important for positive social functioning. In order to prepare your preschooler to potentially be successful in their interactions with others, they needs to be fed foods that compliment that goal. Caffeine, excess sugars, and high processed foods will not give them what they need in order to share, cooperate, listen, and follow directions in group-learning environments.
Proper nutrition affects many different areas that are essential to a preschooler’s success. By providing your preschooler with proper nutrition, you are setting them up for an environment where they will be mentally, physically, and socially prepared in which to flourish. As your preschooler grows, the foods you’ve provided will make a major contribution to their success!
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Want to learn more about Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Stafford located in Stafford, Texas? Our mission is to provide secure, nurturing, and educational environments for children ages 6 weeks – 12 years. We help children to bloom into responsible, considerate, and contributing members of society. For more information, give us a call or stop by for a tour! We’d love to get to know you and your family.