Question

Tommy is a 6-year-old boy that will not eat anything except chicken nuggets, cheese sandwiches, and sugary foods — all foods that are highly processed in carbohydrates. his parents have given up on trying to introduce him to new foods, because they are tired of the battle. furthermore, they reason that tommy seems healthy enough, is not overweight, and there is no need to worry. however, after a while, tommy's parents begin noticing that his energy is erratic, focus at school (1st grade) is getting worse, and emotional tantrums were increasing. which of the 12 "principles of child development that inform practice" do you think would be the most helpful for tommy's parents to understand?

Answer 1

Tommy's parents should understand that physical activity and healthy eating are essential for child development, impacting their well-being, cognition, and emotional regulation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding the principle that physical activity and healthy eating are fundamental parts of a child's education could be immensely beneficial for Tommy's parents. The erratic energy levels, poor school focus, and emotional tantrums Tommy is experiencing may be linked to his diet, which is high in processed carbohydrates and low in other essential nutrients.

By recognizing that a child's nutrition has a profound impact on their physical well-being, cognitive abilities, and emotional stability, Tommy's parents can make informed decisions to introduce a more balanced diet and seek appropriate strategies to encourage Tommy to try new, healthier foods.

Moreover, nutrition education has been shown to improve overall health. Programs like SNAP have had success in encouraging healthier eating habits in children. Tommy's parents may benefit from nutrition education or professional guidance to help them understand the importance of a diverse diet in their child's overall development and health.