Micronutrients are essential for optimal mental and physical growth of schoolchildren, as lack of these can cause irreparable damage to the child in terms of his overall growth. Micronutrients like iron and iodine are necessary for the proper mental functioning which might affect the social and emotional development of a child. Dr Sameer Parik, from Max Hospital tells, “Each child is different in terms of behavioural pattern and nature. Then what makes one child more emotionally stable and physically vigorous than the other children? Parental gene can be one of the factors, but nurture is more important then nature. It is the over all environment in which child grows up and his physical and psychological growth. Nutrition in the early stages of life surely affects the overall mental growth of children. So watch carefully, as your kid’s food platter can reflect his emotional side too!” The preschool years are a period of rapid and significant brain development that is working memory, attention and inhibitory control. Social and emotional development of children involves the attainment of certain types of skills. This may be defined as the ability to: identify and understand one’s own feelings, read and comprehend emotional states in others, manage strong emotions and their expression in a constructive manner, regulate one’s own behaviour, develop empathy for others, and establish and sustain relationships. As children grow older, they learn to manage their emotions and enhance their social skills. But the foundation to have a steady control on these skills is laid during childhood itself. Eating right for kids has gained importance since scientific research has revealed the link between nutrition and mental growth. So mothers, remember what goes to the stomach goes to the mind too!
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