Meal Plan for Children

Following on from a toddler's diet, children from around age three or four through until adolescence are still developing both physically and mentally and the need for good nutrition continues. However this age is notorious for finicky diet habits, irregular eating and grazing; all behaviours which parents need to try to tempt their children out of. Kids are very active during these years and as they grow, nutritional requirements will increase and optimum nutrition is vital, not only for the child's health, but also for reduction in risk of disease later in life. During these years eating habits for life are still being shaped. Try to steer your child away from processed foods and confectionary, and choose more traditional 'healthy' alternatives, though don't let them feel too left out from the other kids at school, and occasional treats are fine.

The following example meal plan has been designed for 'typical' children from the age of around five years old to around eleven or twelve, though obviously nutritional requirements and portion sizes of meals will vary considerably between younger and older children in this age bracket. The plan below has been compiled to be nutritionally balanced to suit children who are active and accounts for different likes and dislikes. Preparing different foods for your child is very important, but remember if they really do not like a particular food, they need not have it. Obviously all kids are different, so like all the plans here, it is merely an example and needs to be adapted to suit different ages, sexes, activities and general circumstances. If your child is really into sports or other physical activities then they will needs lots of energy-packed foods throughout the day.

Use this plan to give you an idea of which healthy nutritious foods are good to include in your kid's diet, but don't forget to encourage him / her to drink plenty of fluids through the day. Remember that calcium foods, sources of essential fats; high protein foods and slow released carb sources need particular attention.

The 'Home from school' snack will depend on what time your child finishes school and whether or not he / she partakes in any after-school activities. Children should be encouraged to eat the same evening meal as the whole family, and sitting down together is also important to help behavioural development and for the re-enforcement of family values. Encourage your child to eat at similar times of the day, to steer them away from snacking and binging, however encourage them to drink whenever they're thirsty.