Back-to-School Nutrition:
Tips to Promote Healthy Lifestyles for Kids, Families

By Southcentral Foundation

Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in guiding children toward healthy food and nutrition choices.

August is National Kids Eat Right Month. This health observance was established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation to promote healthy lifestyles for kids and families — the perfect time for preparing to get back to school. Parents and caregivers are crucial in guiding children’s food and nutrition choices. Being a role model and working together with family members increases the chance of positive changes in food choices. This is a great opportunity to develop new healthy habits the whole family can implement.

Infancy
The most rapid growth and development in the lifespan occurs in infancy. Babies need specific nutrition to grow and develop to their fullest potential by consuming iron-fortified infant formula or breast milk. When babies show signs of readiness for solids, this could be a great food science experiment for the family. For any questions regarding infant feeding or introduction to solids, please contact your primary care team.

Toddlers
During this life-stage food preferences start to occur. Toddlers start to transition from bottle or sippy cup to a regular cup. Most nutrition comes from food, where selective eating can occur. It is recommend fluids mainly come from whole-fat milk (or dairy alternative) and water. Nutrient-dense, bite-sized foods are recommended for this age group. If you have any questions regarding selective eating, please contact your primary care team.

Preschoolers
Parents or caregivers of preschoolers plan meals and snacks so kids can eat from all food groups – dairy/dairy alternatives, meat/meat alternatives, fruits, vegetables, and grains. During this life-stage, kids can become more independent and develop food preferences. Selective eating may still be present. Try to avoid offering separate or special meals when possible.

Grade School
During grade school, independence and food preferences continue to develop. This is a great opportunity to start getting children into food preparation. Developing weekly family menus, grocery shopping, and age-appropriate kitchen tasks allow children to see their meals and snacks from start to finish.

Teenagers
Nutrient inadequacies are common during this life-stage. Calcium, iron, vitamin D, and potassium are the most missed nutrients in teens. Teenage years is the second fastest growth rate during our lifetime. Keep nutritious options available in the household and discuss the importance of breakfast and hydration. For student-athletes, nutrition and hydration are especially important. This can also be an excellent opportunity to teach teens basic cooking skills.

Working with a registered dietitian during any of these life stages can guide families to make long-term changes that reduce a child’s risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Registered dietitians also help with managing and improving these chronic conditions. Contact your primary care team to meet with your registered dietitian.