The years between the ages 6 and 10 mark the transition from early childhood to middle childhood. Children develop rapidly in physical abilities, thinking skills, social connections, and emotional regulation. These years also set the stage for lifelong health - making balanced nutrition and supportive environments vital.
Research shows that adequate nutrients during this period are crucial for brain development, academic success, and physical health.1
Benefits can include:
● Improved coordination, strength, and balance for sports and active play
● Steady growth in height and weight, with differences in timing and pace
● Maturing fine motor skills, supporting tasks such as writing and drawing
● Nutrition supports: Protein, calcium, and vitamin D promote healthy muscles, bones, and teeth.
Benefits can include:
● Expanding vocabulary and reading comprehension
● Development of logical thinking, problem-solving, and memory strategies
● Ability to follow multi-step directions and organise tasks
● Nutrition supports: Iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids aid brain development and attention.2
Benefits can include:
● Forming friendships and valuing peer acceptance
● Understanding rules, fairness, and teamwork
● Greater independence from family while still seeking guidance
● Nutrition supports: Regular family meals provide opportunities for bonding, communication, and fostering healthy eating habits.3
Benefits can include:
● Better regulation of frustration and emotions
● Development self-confidence and resilience
● Growing sense of responsibility and empathy
● Nutrition supports: A balanced diet stabilises energy and mood, helping children cope with stress. 4
● Provide nutrient-rich meals with adequate protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Nutritional supplements like PediaSure can help fill in the gaps with protein, vitamins, and minerals. Please consult your healthcare professional.
● Encourage regular activity, which supports both physical development and healthy appetites.
● Promote consistent routines - sleep, meals, and play strengthen stability.
● Engage in responsive caregiving - warm, consistent interactions leads to emotional regulation, positive social interactions and cognitive development.5
1: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). (n.d.). Australian dietary guidelines. NHMRC. Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/sites/default/files/content/n55_australian_dietary_guidelines. pdf
2: Mattei, D., & Pietrobelli, A. (2019). Micronutrients and brain development. Current
Nutrition Reports, 8(2), 99–107. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-019-0268-z
3: Verhage, C. L., Gillebaart, M., van der Veek, S. M. C., & Vereijken, C. M. J. L. (2018). The relation between family meals and health of infants and toddlers: A review. Appetite, 127, 97–109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2018.04.010
4. National Scientific Council on the Developing Child. (2004). Young children develop in an environment of relationships (Working Paper No. 1). Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. Retrieved March 16, 2023, from http://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/wp1/
5. Muttappallymyalil, J., Al Sharbati, M., Al Saidi, S., Salim, A., Al-Mahrouqi, T., Al-Harthi, A.,
Al-Shehhi, L., Al-Hosni, A., Al-Kiyumi, A., Al-Khalili, N., Al-Yahyaei, H., Al-Harthi, H., Al-Balushi, N., Al-Kiyumi, A., & Al-Mahrezi, A. (2024). Impact of responsive caregiving interventions on early childhood development outcomes in children aged 0–8 years: A scoping review protocol. BMJ Open, 14(4), e078712. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2023-078712
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