Food is a source of energy which allows children to play, to learn, and to grow. While it is important for a child’s body to get enough calories it is just as important for the child to not get too many calories. The amount of calories needed may vary depending on the child's age, size, and the amount of exercise they get each day.

While calories are important it is more important to understand what type of calories a child is getting. Some items provide empty calories such as kool aid, soda, and candy. These items will provide calories, however they have no nutritious value. The child is getting full but not receiving the nutrition they need to properly grow. It is better for a care giver to provide a variety of fruits and vegetables for the child. It is important to note that children may like some things while they do not like others. Try not to force feed healthy foods but rather make healthy food available rather than junk foods. If a child is able to get fruits and vegetables along with juice, milk and water as the majority of their diet it will make for a much healthier child.

Children learn their eating habits from the people they are around. So remember that if you eat healthy your children will too. On the other hand, if you are a junk food lover expect your child to be as well. Nutrition is very important and should be considered each and every time you offer food to your child.