2. The period between 7 and 12 years is characterized by slow steady growth, increased body proportions, enhanced mental capabilities and better motor combination. The school children now start to assert his individuality, is less dependent on his parents, begin to have his own set of friends and school activities keep him busy most of the time.. In relation to nutrition, the appetite is often poor. Also there is building up of body reserves in preparation for the increased needs during the adolescent stages.

3. The basic food needs for schoolchild are the same when he was young, but the quantity are increased to take care of his greater needs. Compared to pre-school child, a school child needs more calories to give him energy because he has more activities. He needs more protein for growth and development and more vitamins and minerals for protection from infection to which he is fully exposed to outside his home environment.

4. Energy The energy requirement of the child is determined by his basal metabolism, age and activity. Allowances for school children decreased gradually from 70-80 calories/kDBW for the 7-9 years old about 65 calories / kDBW for the boys and 55 calories/kDBW for girls for the 10-12 years old. Protein The child’s protein requirement is relatively higher in relation to body weight than those of an adult. The requirements are high for the periods of rapid growth and lower during the periods of slower growth.

5. Vitamins and minerals Essential for growth and development are required in higher amounts per kilogram of body weight than in adults. Fluids The total daily fluid requirement of a normal healthy child is 4 to 6 glasses or 1 to 1-½ liter per day Inadequate Meals Socio-economic factors such a s poverty is still the most significant determinant of not having enough food to eat. Inadequate meals are likely to arise as a result of missing breakfast by schoolchildren.

6. Skipping breakfast maybe due to the following:  Late bed riser thus he has to rush in preparing oneself to school  No breakfast prepared yet  Too early school schedule  Lunch eaten outside the home oftentimes contribute to inadequate nutrient intake for schoolchildren Poor appetite Stress of school work, demanding extracurricular activities with too little rest and sleep affects the child’s appetite. The proliferation of low nutrient density foods in school canteen or nearby store will take away the child’s delight for nutritious foods.

7. Poor eating habits Poor eating practices such as little intake of vegetables, too much snacks eaten close to meal time, hurried meals or meal skipping is another problem. COMMON PROBLEMS AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN Undernutrition Constipation Dental Caries

8. The child’s diet should be equally divided into three meals It is essential for the child to go to school with good breakfast. An excessive consumption of candies and sweets should be discouraged. Snacks as long as it is not taken near the regular meals and it provides additional energy for very active child. Prepare nutritious home packed lunches.

9.  The school should also provide a clean well-lighted and well ventilated room with appropriate table and chairs for children who bring home packed lunches to school.  Allow sufficient time for meals.  Regulate the activities of the child  To develop good food habits in children, nutrition related activities should be provided in the classroom experience. In packing the packed lunch here are the things to consider:  Plan foods than can be fitted in a lunch pack. Foods that are soupy and saucy should be avoided.  Limit the choice of food to those that will maintain their palatability regardless of their being served cold and wrapped for sometime.

10. Include foods that do not need special tablewares. There should be variety in the foods given. Choose fresh vegetables and fruits for desserts. Vary the “baon” from day to day to allow the child to enjoy his food. Milk or juice may be planned if a small thermos bottle is available.