The Role of Nutrition And Exercise In The Health And Physical Development Of Children

Review Empirical Evidence of The Role of Nutrition and Exercise in the Health and Physical Development of Children in the Birth to Two Age Range. What Are the Educational Implications?

Wellbeing is a multidimensional concept that includes physical, emotional, social, and cognitive dimensions. Children have the right to the highest attainable standard of health, including the right to good nutrition, clean water, and adequate sanitation, as stated in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNICEF, 1989). Physical health and wellbeing refer to the body's ability to function well, be physically active, and avoid illness or injury. Nutrition and exercise play a crucial role in maintaining physical health and wellbeing, particularly in the birth to two age range (WHO & UNICEF, 2003).

In Australia, the National Quality Standard for Early Childhood Education and Care sets a benchmark for the quality of care and education provided to children. Standard 2.1 requires that "Each child's health is promoted" and "reasonable steps are taken to prevent the spread of infectious diseases" (ACECQA, 2009). This standard reflects the importance of ensuring that children's physical health and wellbeing are a priority in early childhood settings.

Research has shown that good nutrition is essential for growth and development in children. Nutrient deficiencies can have a significant impact on a child's physical, cognitive, and emotional development. (WHO & UNICEF, 2003). Similarly, physical activity and exercise are crucial for promoting physical health and wellbeing. Exercise can improve bone health, muscular strength and endurance, cardiovascular health, and reduce the risk of obesity and chronic diseases.

Therefore, nutrition and exercise play a significant role to support children's physical health and wellbeing in early childhood education and care settings.

ROLE OF NUTRITION TO PHYSICAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Good nutrition is crucial for the healthy development of young children. It plays a significant role in physical growth, cognitive and brain development, and establishing healthy eating habits in adulthood. Proper nutrition can contribute to optimal health outcomes for children, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases later in life. In this section, we will discuss the role of nutrition in physical health and wellbeing in children aged 0-2 years.

According to the WHO, good nutrition is essential for children's healthy growth and development. Infants and young children need sufficient energy and nutrients to support their rapid growth and development. Adequate intake of macro- and micronutrients during this critical period can have long-term benefits, including improved cognitive function and better health outcomes (Black & Aboud, 2011).

Breastmilk is the optimal source of nutrition for infants. It provides all the nutrients required for healthy growth and development, including protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Breastmilk also contains bioactive components that protect infants against infections and diseases (Victora et al., 2016). Infants who are not breastfed are at a higher risk of malnutrition, infectious diseases, and mortality (Bhutta et al., 2013).

Complementary feeding, which involves introducing solid foods to infants, is a critical transition period that requires attention to ensure optimal nutrient intake. Adequate complementary feeding practices can improve nutrient intake, growth, and development in infants and young children (Lutter et al., 2011).

One example of the impact of nutrition on children's health is the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in young children. Iron deficiency anemia can impair cognitive development, physical growth, and immune function (WHO, 2003). Approximately 8% of children aged 1-3 years in Australia have iron deficiency anemia (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2013) (Scott et al., 2019).

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has developed dietary guidelines for children aged 0-2 years. The guidelines provide advice on the recommended daily intakes of nutrients, food groups to consume, and feeding practices to support optimal growth and development. It emphasize the importance of breastfeeding, appropriate complementary feeding, and avoiding unhealthy foods and drinks (NHMRC, & Department Of Health And Ageing, 2013).

In an early childhood setting, educators can promote healthy eating habits by providing nutritious meals and snacks, modeling healthy eating behaviors, and involving families in nutrition education. Educators can also monitor children's growth and development and identify any issues related to nutrition or feeding practices. Collaboration with health professionals, such as dietitians, can also support optimal nutrition for young children in early childhood settings.

HEALTHY EATING AND TYPES OF FOOD

Healthy eating plays a crucial role in promoting the physical health and wellbeing of children. A healthy diet, which includes a variety of foods from all food groups, provides essential nutrients required for growth and development, and helps prevent the development of chronic diseases later in life. In this section, we will discuss the importance of healthy eating and the types of food that are essential for children in the birth to two age range.

According to the WHO, a healthy diet includes a variety of foods from all food groups, including fruits, vegetables, grains, protein-rich foods such as meats, fish, eggs, legumes, and nuts, and dairy products. Research has shown that a healthy diet during early childhood can have long-lasting effects on health outcomes later in life (Denney-Wilson et al., 2015). A study conducted by Kiefner-Burmeister et al. (2014) found that children who consumed a healthy diet during their first two years of life had higher cognitive development scores at four years of age, compared to children who did not consume a healthy diet.

In Australia, there are several laws and regulations that aim to promote healthy eating in early childhood settings. The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and Care (NQF) sets standards for children’s health and wellbeing, including requirements for providing nutritious meals and snacks (ACECQA, 2017). Additionally, the Australian Government’s Healthy Eating Advisory Service provides advice and resources for early childhood services to promote healthy eating and physical activity (Healthy Eating Advisory Service, 1982).

Early childhood educators play a crucial role in promoting healthy eating habits in young children. Educators can promote healthy eating by providing nutritious meals and snacks, involving children in meal preparation and planning, and creating a positive eating environment (Ward et al., 2017). Educators can also work with families to promote healthy eating habits at home and provide education on the importance of healthy eating for children’s physical health and wellbeing.

THE IMPORTANCE OF EXERCISE

Exercise is an essential element of a child's physical health and wellbeing. Regular physical activity is necessary for healthy growth and development, as well as for preventing chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Exercise can improve children's physical fitness, motor skills, cognitive function, and social skills. In this body paragraph, we will discuss the importance of exercise for children aged birth to two, the theoretical and empirical evidence that supports this, and the implications for early childhood education.

Physical activity plays a crucial role in the development of young children, as it contributes to the growth and maintenance of strong bones, muscles, and organs. Exercise can help to build gross motor skills such as crawling, rolling, sitting, and standing, which are essential for infants and toddlers. Exercise also helps to improve hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and balance. Furthermore, regular physical activity can enhance cognitive function, including attention, memory, and problem-solving skills.

Several theoretical perspectives emphasize the importance of exercise in early childhood development. The developmental systems theory posits that motor development and cognitive development are interdependent, and that physical activity can enhance the development of both domains (Clark & Metcalf, 2002). The ecological systems theory highlights the importance of physical activity in shaping children's social environments and promoting social skills (Bronfenbrenner, 1979). Empirical research has demonstrated the benefits of exercise for young children. A study conducted by Timmons et al. (2007) found that increased physical activity in early childhood was associated with improved motor skills and cognitive function.

In early childhood settings, physical activity should be incorporated into daily routines and activities. Infants can engage in tummy time, reaching for toys, and rolling, while toddlers can participate in games such as tag, hopscotch, and catch. Outdoor play spaces should be designed to encourage physical activity and exploration, such as climbing structures, sandpits, and water play areas.

The NQF outlines the expectations for early childhood services to provide opportunities for physical activity, as well as to promote healthy eating habits (ACECQA, 2009). The Australian Government also recommends that young children engage in at least three hours of physical activity per day (Department of Health and Aged Care, 2021).

Early childhood educators should incorporate physical activity into their daily routines, such as providing outdoor play opportunities and incorporating movement and exercise into daily activities. Educators should also model healthy behaviors, such as eating a nutritious diet and engaging in physical activity themselves. Parents and caregivers should be encouraged to provide opportunities for physical activity at home, such as taking walks and playing active games.

THE EDUCATIONAL IMPLICATION

Early childhood education is a critical period for promoting physical health and wellbeing in children. Health and wellbeing are fundamental human rights that must be protected and promoted for all children, according to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) (UNICEF, 1989). The importance of promoting physical health and wellbeing during early childhood education has significant implications for the education sector.

Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory (EST) is a useful theoretical framework for understanding the educational implications of promoting physical health and wellbeing in early childhood education. EST posits that the child's development is influenced by multiple contexts, including the microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, and macrosystem (Bronfenbrenner, 1979). The microsystem is the immediate environment that the child interacts with, such as family and early childhood education settings. The mesosystem is the connection between two microsystems, such as the link between the family and early childhood education setting. The exosystem is the broader societal context that indirectly affects the child's development, such as policies and laws. The macrosystem is the larger cultural context that shapes the child's development.

In Australia, several policies and practices promote physical health and wellbeing in early childhood education. The National Quality Framework (NQF) is a national system for regulating and assessing the quality of early childhood education and care services (ACECQA, 2017). The NQF includes standards and guidelines for promoting physical health and wellbeing, such as the requirement for healthy eating practices and physical activity. Additionally, the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) provides guidance for early childhood educators on how to promote children's development in all areas, including physical health and wellbeing (Australian Government Department of Education, 2022).

In practice, early childhood educators can promote physical health and wellbeing by incorporating physical activity and healthy eating habits into their curriculum. For example, educators can provide opportunities for children to engage in outdoor play, structured physical activities, and active play during free play. Educators can also provide healthy snacks and meals, such as fruits and vegetables, and encourage children to try new foods. Educators can involve families in promoting healthy eating habits by providing resources, such as recipes and meal planning tips.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the role of nutrition and exercise in the health and physical development of children in the birth to two age range is critical. Empirical evidence supports the positive effects of adequate nutrition and regular exercise on children's growth and development. Providing healthy food options and creating opportunities for physical activities is crucial to promote children's physical health and wellbeing. Early childhood educators have a crucial role in fostering healthy habits and supporting children's overall wellbeing.

Moreover, the educational implications of promoting nutrition and exercise in early childhood settings are significant. Educators can create a positive impact on children's lifelong habits by promoting healthy food choices and encouraging physical activities. It is essential to have a holistic approach to early childhood education that promotes the development of the whole child.

The Australian context offers a comprehensive regulatory framework that supports the provision of high-quality early childhood education and care services. The National Quality Framework and the Australian Dietary Guidelines are some of the resources that early childhood educators can use to promote nutrition and exercise in their practices.

In summary, early childhood is a crucial stage in the development of healthy habits. Adequate nutrition and regular exercise are essential to promoting children's physical health and wellbeing. Early childhood educators can have a significant impact on children's lifelong habits by promoting healthy food choices and encouraging physical activities. It is crucial to have a holistic approach to early childhood education that promotes the development of the whole child.

Photo courtesy of WFP Bhutan

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