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Protect the children’s right to good nutrition

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Category: Region NCR

Edited SMC for NCM ArticleAll children have the right to good nutrition. It is their right to eat nutritious foods for their growing bodies. It is the responsibility of the parents/caregivers to ensure that their children’s right to good nutrition is protected for them to live a happy and healthy life.

All children should have a good start in life through good nutrition.  Exclusively breastfeed infants from birth up to six months. Breastmilk contains protective substances called “antibodies” that protect infants from infections. Give infants complementary foods starting at 6 months with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years and beyond. With appropriate infant and young child feeding and adequate childcare, children can grow healthy and protected from malnutrition, particularly stunting or being small or short for their age. Stunting has serious consequences on the children’s cognitive development and growth.

It is important that children develop healthy eating habits and good food preferences early in life and carry these well into adulthood.  Here are some tips in helping children acquire good eating habits and healthy food choices:

  • Offer nutritious food choices at every meal. When children eat a variety of foods, they get a balance of the nutrients that they need to grow. Serve them with healthy food options, such as fresh vegetables and fruits, dairy products (milk, yoghurt, cheese), lean meats, and whole grain cereals. The best drinks for them are water and milk. Limit sugary drinks as these may lead to cavities and unhealthy weight gain.  Also, serve them with healthy snacks and avoid processed, salty, and sugary foods. 
  • Eat at regular mealtimes and sit together. The parents must also provide a happy and peaceful environment during mealtimes.  For infants and young children, parents must practice responsive feeding. Responsive feeding involves learning your child’s specific cues for hunger and feelings of fullness and learning how to respond appropriately to these cues. Avoid watching television and other gadgets that may distract their attention in eating or disrupt their appetite.
  • Let children get involved in simple meal preparations. This is a chance to teach them about foods - what fresh foods look like, where it came from, how it is prepared, and how to practice food safety and sanitation.
  • Be a role model for your children and eat a healthy diet. If you eat healthy, your children will most probably do the same. Prepare healthy lunch boxes for them to ensure that they will eat healthy even in school. The Pinggang Pinoy serves as a good visual guide on how a healthy meal should be for different age groups.

According to UNICEF, “the right to adequate nutrition is a fundamental, foundational right for children. Its fulfillment is essential for life, health, development, and dignity. Without these, a child will have difficulty learning, playing, engaging in other childhood activities, becoming a productive member of society in later years, and enjoying the full range of human rights to which all humans are entitled. "

Protect the children’s right to good nutrition – they are our country’s future.  (DKFV/NPC MEVF/NNC NCR)


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