The importance of good nutrition and hygiene in early childhood development
- Petronella Mphahlele
- Nov 6, 2019
- 3 min read
Young children in the early childhood development (ECD) phase are like sponges when it comes to soaking up healthy habits that will serve them well throughout life. Children need our protection, and parents and caregivers working together to teach nutrition and hygiene knowledge is a great way to keep them safe and healthy.
Here Below is all you the ABC Know about ECD;
Protex is embarking on a wonderful initiative with Non-profit company Ekukhanyeni Relief Project (NPC), whereby they have built a food garden at Lesedi Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre in Lawley, South of Johannesburg.
Little children are very susceptible to falling ill in their first years of life, as their bodies are still building immunity to infections. Learning proper hygiene practices and eating nutritious food are critical in early childhood development (ECD) because it supports optimal growth and builds a strong immune system.
A healthy, balanced diet supports brain development and children’s ability to develop problem-solving, decision-making and language skills as well as short and long-term memory. Well-nourished children are likely to do better at school.1Raising a genius starts with keeping them well fed!
Playing catch will take on a new meaning when you understand how proper nutrition supports physical development. Stronger children are more active and are likely to develop gross (large movements) and fine (small movements) motor skills. When the body develops properly, children gain muscle control that helps physical co-ordination2 and opens the door to active fun and games.
Healthy eating supports emotional and social development. Children who receive proper nourishment will make friends more easily, be less socially awkward and have fewer anxiety issues.3 Enjoying family meal time together also helps them develop these social skills.
Over-sharing is seldom a good thing. Germs travel fast when children play, as they are often in close proximity to each other, sharing toys, tables, chairs and spaces. It’s essential to educate children and caregivers about the importance of hygiene and responsible handwashing before and after close interaction with one another, to protect against germs. Let’s wash our hands, and let the games begin!
Keeping children from learning foul language is not the only way to keep things clean. Hand-washing is the most important health and hygiene habit you can teach your child. Try to make it a regular ritual, especially after returning from school or playing outside, before and after eating and after using the toilet. Handwashing removes infectious organisms from the hands before they can be transferred to the eyes, nose or mouth. Using brands like Protex which specialises in germ busting will give children an added boost of protection.
Children are curious and always seeking adventure. Support this by involving them in preparing meals. Take them to the supermarket, so they can see the variety of healthy food, fresh fruit and vegetables on offer. Pique their interest, and use it as chance to learn about nutrition.
Scientist Albert Einstein said that “creativity is intelligence having fun.” If parents and caregivers let them create their own plate of food, they will likely use the shapes, colours and textures of various fruit and vegetables as they express their imagination. When fruit equals fun, healthy eating habits are sure to follow!
This garden serves to provide the children at the centre with nutritious fruit and vegetables, as nutrition is one of the most important components during early childhood development, as it can help prevent cognitive, behavioural, physical, social and emotional developmental delays. Protex and Ekukhanyeni also aim to educate caregivers on the important role that hygiene and sanitation plays in maintaining good health and protecting against germs.
The wellbeing of our little ones is always a priority, and their giggles and energy are guaranteed to turn a frown upside down. Teaching children about hygiene and healthy eating will ensure they stay strong, happy and healthy, and ready to thrive in the future.
Commentaires