Good nutrition is important for children, having a proper nutrition is essential during the early childhood development so children grow to obtain a healthy height and weight, and also be able to concentrate in school and do not have any nutritional deficiencies. This also helps you to eat the right amount of foods in order to get all the calories and nutrients needed for proper growth and development. According to Robertson, (2010), states, “MyPyramid for Kids, suggests for children ages 6 to 11 years, the recommended daily total amount of grains is 6 ounces, with 3 ounces being whole grain. MyPyramid for Kids, is tailored for children ages 6 to 11 years, it is suggested that they eat 2 ½  cups of vegetables from the five different areas listed: dark green vegetables, orange vegetables, dry beans and peas, starchy vegetables, and others which includes tomatoes, onions, and celery. MyPyramid for Kids suggests that in the fruit group 6 to 11 years focus more on fruits and eat a variety of fruits on a daily basis. MyPyramid for Kids milk is the next major group, children 6 to 11 years are encouraged to eat calcium-rich food and choose low-fat or fat-free types. The last major category on MyPyramid for Kids is meat and beans, it suggest that children ages 6 to 11 years go lean on protein and eat 5 ounces of it daily. The pyramid also suggests the protein choices should include fish, beans, peas, nuts, and seeds” (p. 218-219).Good healthy eating habits starts from infancy, the first six months babies only need breast milk or formula. Solid foods should not be given until 4-6 months. Introducing solids foods to early causes allergies in infants. Parents should add fruits and vegetables at 6-7 months and start feeding with a spoon and add protein foods to the child’s diet at 7 months old. Add table foods at 8-12 months. Offer the baby a variety of foods to encourage good eating habits. “Parents can develop positive and healthy habits that will last a life time”(The fight launch, 2012). Keeping preschool children at healthy weight, parents can teach them healthy eating habits. Encourage the child to drink water instead of juice, sodas and other sweetened drink. Tohelp teach the child about nutrition let them be involved in food shopping and helping you prepare meals. Discourage children from eating meals in front of the television by explaining family time is very important. Children should physically active and participate in activities that burn off energy (Children’s Health, 2012). The physical and social environment in which the child eats, strongly relates to the child’s eating pattern. “There are food allergies that occur in these children they are peanuts, nuts, fish, shell fish, and eggs are the most common foods causing reactions”(Life threatening food allergies in school and childcare settings, 2012). Making mealtime important for children could help them develop healthy eating habits. Teachers can properly prepare meals with understanding the temperament of the child, his capabilities, and his tempo. Mealtimes are times for families to connect by communicating with one another while enjoying their meal. The physical and social environment in which the child eats strongly relates to the child eating patterns. When parents eat unhealthy their children eat unhealthy. Children are influenced by what they see their parents eat. If children see parents and teachers model healthy eating behaviors they will most likely do the same. “Good nutrition is important during childhood because this is the time when lifelong habits are formed” (Davis, 2011). Childhood obesity can cause diabetes, if parents would teach their children good nutritional eating habits; they are less likely to become obese.

By children eating foods from all the recommended food groups daily, children should get enough vitamins and minerals. Menus can be created to serve the children and teachers can teach nutrition to children and parents. Food and nutrition should be a part of promoting health. Teachers must create nutritional policies to help support growth, health, and well-being of the child.