8.4.1. Nutritional requirement of school children

Though it is a latent period of growth there are several activities to pack in the child’s day now. Retaining her/his energy is therefore very crucial. Nutritional requirements are the same for both boys and girls up to the age of 9 years after which there is a change in some of the nutrient requirements for boys and girls.

During the school-age years, children continue to grow and develop, but the pace of growth slows down compared to earlier years. Even so, they stay very active and have many activities packed into their days. This makes it essential for them to have enough energy from the right kinds of foods to keep up with their activities. Up until the age of 9, boys and girls have similar nutritional needs. However, as children reach this age, their nutritional requirements start to differ, particularly for protein, iron, and calcium for girls, in preparation for future growth changes.

Think of a car that needs fuel to run. Up until a certain age (like a car being used for short distances), boys and girls require the same type and amount of fuel (food). However, as the car gets ready for long journeys (the age of 10), the fuel requirements start to change for different types of journeys (the needs of boys and girls).

You may recall that the energy requirements for girls remain almost the same throughout but they need increased amounts of protein, iron, and calcium to help bone growth and preparation for menarche. Boys of 10-12 years need enough calories to maintain adequate reserves for the spurt in their growth during adolescence.

As girls grow, their energy needs remain stable; however, they will require more protein, iron, and calcium as they prepare for physical changes, such as puberty (menarche). For boys, around the age of 10-12, they will start needing more calories to support their rapid growth spurts that commonly occur during adolescence. Therefore, it’s important for both boys and girls to have a balanced intake of these nutrients to ensure proper growth.

Imagine planting a garden. Just as some plants need more water and nutrients at certain times (like roses needing extra care during bloom), girls and boys need specific nutrients at different stages to grow healthily. For example, during their growing years, the girls are like plants preparing for blooming, while boys are like young trees growing taller and stronger.

Following all aspects and guidelines of diet planning for preschool children, it may appear that by school age the children establish a particular pattern of food intake. To an extent you are right but planning balanced meals for school children differs in other aspects.

While preschool children are still developing their eating habits, by school age, children typically have more established patterns of food intake. However, planning their diets requires consideration of the different nutrition guidelines appropriate for their age. A varied diet is crucial because no single food can provide all the essential nutrients needed daily. It is crucial to encourage different foods to ensure children get a mix of nutrients.

Think of making a smoothie. If you only add one ingredient—like bananas—it won’t taste very good or provide all that you need for a balanced snack. You need berries, yogurt, and maybe some spinach for color and health. Similarly, kids need a variety of foods to meet all their nutritional needs.

Aim for variety: We know that no single food can provide all the nutrients in the amount the child needs every day. The most consistent nutrition message therefore is to eat a variety of foods.

Children's diets should include a wide variety of foods to ensure they are getting the necessary vitamins and minerals. Eating a range of foods not only helps with nutrient intake but also encourages children to try new flavors and textures, leading to healthier eating habits.

Think of a box of crayons. If you only have a blue crayon, you can only draw in that color. But with a box full of crayons in all colors, you can create beautiful, diverse pictures. Similarly, different foods in a child's diet help them grow strong and healthy.

Breakfast is a special meal. It should contain more of protein and energy. After the long night’s fasting the child should never be allowed to skip breakfast.

Breakfast is an important meal as it breaks the overnight fast and provides energy for the day ahead. Skipping breakfast can negatively affect a child's performance in school and activities due to lack of nutrients and calories. A proper breakfast should include protein and energy to fuel their busy mornings.

Consider a phone that's been charging overnight. Just like you wouldn’t want to use the phone only to find it runs out of battery quickly because it wasn’t fully charged, children need a nutritious breakfast to start their day with energy and focus.

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