How Does Diet Affect a Child’s Development?

Diet affects not just a child’s physical growth, but also his or her cognitive development. For example, under-nutrition can cause children to have low energy and low interest for learning and playing. They will gain fewer experiences which are crucial in their early years.

How does diet affect a child’s development?

There are countless ripple effects from a poor diet. Low energy means less interest in making friends and playing with others. This also means less physical activity which can affect their overall muscular development. It can also affect the children’s social skills and emotional states. If they have low energy levels and low interest in activities, they will tend to become isolated and less happy.

As a result, many early learning centres also emphasise meals and nutrition (not just academics, playtime and aligning their curriculum with the Early Years Learning Framework). For instance, here at Little Voyagers we ensure nutritious meals are always prepared on-site. With our nutrient-dense meals and snacks, we help children properly develop and gain the energy they need every day. Also, we help children develop healthy eating habits at an early age. This will benefit them for years to come as they rapidly grow and develop.

What about in your home? It’s also vital to help your child develop healthy eating habits. One way to accomplish this is by making each meal time (filled with fruits and vegetables) a happy moment for your child and the entire family. This will help your child develop positive associations with healthy meals. Your child will feel good about eating fruits and vegetables, which will reinforce this good habit and behaviour.

A child’s early years are crucial to his or her later development. It’s in this period where rapid physical and cognitive development happens and when the foundation is being built. It’s also those years when children start making habits that might shape them for the rest of their lives. Whether at home or at the early learning centre, it’s vital that what your child eats contribute to his or her overall growth, development and wellbeing.