Childhood (Ages Four to Eight). Describe the growth patterns in this age group. Describe the energy needs (calories) for boys and girls in this age group. Describe the AMDR for carbohydrates, protein, and fat for children in this age group. Describe several ways to encourage children in this age group to eat healthy foods for meals and snacks.

 

The growth pattern 0f children have been discussed alot by different theorist like Erik Erickson, Jean Piaget and Lawrence's they try to understand it.The stages of child developments are divided into three the early child hood middle childhood and the adolescence stage.

in our case we are going to talk about the early childhood but we will specify on the age between 4 to 8.

AT 4 to 5years growth ,this stage the child continues to grow developing some fine motor skills like writing by holding the pencils ,using scissors and as well they can develop gross motor skill that includes the ability to hope and stand with one leg.This stage involve socioemotional growth and development in kids.

At 5 to 8 years,the child has well developed motor skills ,physical developments starts to slow down with proportion to the body and also great change in the childs language and cognitive dimensions whereby they can know solve problems using their brain meaning they will be held responsible for their mistakes as they now distinguish good and bad.]

Boys at the age of 4 to 8 years old requires 1200 to 2000 calories depending on growth and the activities they perform but girls requires 1200 to 1800 calories depending on their growth level and the activities they are doing.Boys need a slightly much energy than girls as they have a rapid growth for example in muscle development than girls hence they need alot of energy as their cells are active .

The acceptable macronutrient distribution range (AMDR) the different in different foods as shown below,

a)Fats ,these Childs body requires small amounts of saturated fats for example from animals like dairy products, although there are some healthy fats like that from the ovacado or olive oil hence only a small amount is needed to avoid chances of obesity and other heart diseases as a result of large fat intake.

b)Proteins,the body only needs a small amount of proteins whereby if alot of protein is consumed,the excess is converted into fats increasing chances of obesity and some chronic heart diseases therefore just a small share of proteins is needed.

c)Carbohydrates, carbohydrates are very essential as they are metabolized to produce energy in the body for other activities to occur thus it is needed in large amounts though still not in excess because it will be converted to fats that will accumulate in the body casing obesity to this children.

I would encourage these children to eat food and snacks by

a)Buying them dishes that are special whereby you can be serving their food from there and making them feel special in that they respond by eating all the food.

b)Giving the child the privilege to choose the fruit they want to take as a snack before any other person chooses ,this makes them feel wanted and thus they will eat and remain healthy.

c)Include your child to take part in cooking ,this will make them gain pride that they cooked and so they will eat the food.

d)Do not force the child to eat,we only encourage not force the child we encourage them to try a variety of foods which in each is balanced diet and thus letting them to choose what they want.

e)we should encourage them to eat by leading as an example whereby you first eat or taste the food before the child does and it will create their confidence to eat the food since their mother or brother has lead in eating.

f)Giving the child a small bite of the food before it is served ,this occurs in the kitchen where you scope a small amount and give to the child ,they will be proud to eat mere as they are the first one to be served before the others ,thus they will eat the required amount for their bodies.