How Feeding Contributed to the Academic Development of Children.
Feeding primary school children is not just for the sake of giving them food; it’s also important. However, many parents do not provide nutritious meals to their children because they cannot afford to feed them properly. This is why most primary school children suffer from malnutrition when their parents can no longer afford to give them good food.Â
Nutrition plays a vital role in the growth of any child. A well-fed child can be able to perform better academically compared to a malnourished child. The level of nutrition of their food has a direct impact on cognitive skill development, such as memory and language development. Therefore, providing nutritious food for our children especially those between the ages of 3 to 9 years will significantly benefit their academic performance.
It is good that every child receives proper nutrition. This is possible with the provision of healthy and affordable foods that can cater for them.
How Feeding Contributed to the Academic Development of Children
In this article, we shall be looking at how feeding affects the academic performance among pupils in primary schools in Nigeria. We hope that the findings presented here would help government policymakers understand the importance of feeding for the overall welfare of our pupils. It’s not only about the government but also the private schools, they need to step up their game and make sure their students are being fed well.
In my secondary school days, we usually ate half-cooked food. This may not be the same for primary schools but in future, it’s still the pupils that are still going to attain the level of secondary school students. So in essence, the necessary corrections and amendments have to begin from the early stage. Going further, we shall discuss the kinds of food parents and guardians should look forward to feeding their children.Â
What Effect Does Junk Food Have on a Child?
Pupils who consume junk foods such as chips, biscuits, cakes, candies, and soft drinks tend to perform poorly academically. This is due to the fact that these types of foods contain too many saturated fats and refined sugars which are never good for children when in excess.Â
In addition, students who consume unhealthy snacks tend to become lazy and unmotivated. They often fail to complete assignments on time and miss school regularly. How Feeding Contributed to the Academic Development of Children.
Generally, pupils who eat nutritious meals such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products right from a tender age perform better academically. They are also more focused and attentive in class. They are less likely to fall asleep during class and are more motivated to study.
This is because they are consuming nutrient-rich foods that provide essential vitamins and minerals needed for proper growth and development. They are also less likely to develop behavioural problems such as hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder.
Tips for helping your child stop excessive consumption of junk food
It has been proven that nutrition is important in determining whether a child performs well academically. Therefore, parents should ensure that their kids eat healthily at all costs. Therefore, parents should:
- Parents should avoid feeding their children fast foods and sugary treats. These foods contribute nothing to the overall health of children.
- Children who eat nutritious foods tend to grow taller than those who don’t. Therefore, parents should ensure that they feed their children nutritious foods to enable them to achieve optimal height.
- Parents should also ensure that their children drink plenty of water every day. Water helps flush toxins from the body and keeps the kidneys functioning properly.
- Parents should also limit their children’s intake of soda pop and juices. Soda pop contains artificial sweeteners that cause dehydration. Juices contain high levels of sugar that can lead to tooth decay. Furthermore, sodas and some juices contain no nutrients that are beneficial to children.
- Parents should also discourage their children from eating candy bars and sweets. Children who eat candy bars and sweets as often as they want.
Here are 3 types of food parents should give to their children for better academic performance
Parents often think that giving kids food for dinner is an effective strategy to improve their child’s grades. However, nutritionists say that this method is ineffective and may cause harm to the health of kids. This is especially true for those who don’t have access to nutritious foods. The food that builds them most is breakfast.
It is as important as anything in the life of any child. Let us discuss the kind of food you are expected to give your child/children for better academic performance. Read also:Â 8 Ways to Help an Autistic Child Cope Academically
How Feeding Contributed to the Academic Development of Children.
1. Whole Grains
Whole grains contain fibre, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. They also provide slow-release energy, meaning that they won’t spike your blood sugar levels.
Studies show that whole grain consumption improves attention span and memory retention.
Some of these whole grains include Coco pops, millets, golden morn and all other cereal-based food.
2. Fruits and Vegetables
Kids who eat fruits and vegetables tend to perform better academically. This is because these foods are rich in vitamin C, folate, potassium, magnesium, iron, and calcium.
These elements play vital roles in maintaining a healthy nervous system.
Fruits and vegetables also contain antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress and inflammation. Oxidative stress and inflammation are associated with poor learning and memory.Â
Some common fruits children like include, apple, pineapple, banana, orange, etc.
3. Lean Meats
Lean meats such as chicken, fish, turkey, and lean beef are nutrient-dense. They also contain protein, essential amino acids, zinc, selenium, B12, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Protein helps build muscles and repair damaged cells. Essential amino acids promote growth and development. Zinc promotes cognitive functions. Selenium protects against cell damage caused by reactive oxygen species. Omega-3 fatty acids support brain development.
So next time you prepare a meal for your kid, include one or two servings of whole grains, fruits, and/or lean meat. It’s a win-win situation for your kid’s health and education.
How Feeding Contributed to the Academic Development of Children
Conclusion
Every child deserves the best when it comes to taking care of their welfare. All of the things mentioned above should be taken seriously because when neglected, can cause as serious damage in the lives of children. As a parent or guardian, don’t wait for your child to complain to you before you act.
A lot of them would not be able to communicate, worst still, they don’t even know the nutritional value of a lot of things they consume. It is your duty to help them reduce significantly the intake of snacks or whatever thing that is not appropriate for them at the level they are.Â
Remember that feeding your child well is as important as anything that concerns their life. Make effort to provide healthy food for them, because it’s your responsibility as a parent/guardian. How Feeding Contributed to the Academic Development of Children.
