Have you ever had your mind boggled over the mystery of how little ones seem to have boundless energy one moment and then suddenly crash into grumpiness the next? Well, wonder no more! Nutrition plays a starring role in shaping the behaviour of children, and understanding this dynamic can support the growth of children and navigate their fluctuations in behaviour.
Impact of Nutrition on Behaviour
Depending on the types of foods that children are consuming, they can act as behaviour boosters or turn them into little mischiefs. We’ve all had this similar experience - consuming something sugary and feeling a burst of energy, followed by a crash that could make us cranky. Now imagine this feeling twice fold. Nutrition can influence children more than adults because of their growing bodies and developing brains, making them more sensitive to the foods they consume.
Should a particular nutrient or food be prioritised?
The simple answer is no!
Studies have not been able to find individual nutrients to improve behaviour, due to the fact that nutrients work together rather than alone. Packing meals and snacks with a variety of whole foods - think fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins will provide the little ones with a steady stream of energy that doesn’t ebb and flow, which translates to a steady behaviour that doesn’t fluctuate a million times in one day!
What about when and how much they should eat?
When a child has a meltdown, we often point the finger at the food that is on their plate. We may automatically think that they are throwing a tantrum because of that broccoli that they don’t like. However, that’s not always the case, especially if you find that they enjoy it one day and suddenly hate it the next.
Other factors to consider include recognising if the child skipped a meal (timing) or didn’t have enough to eat (amount). This can leave them feeling irritable, tired, and hangry (hungry + angry)! If you find that your child is exhibiting similar behaviours around the same time every day, it might be time to investigate whether their tummies are satisfied or needing a bit more sustenance. This is also a fantastic opportunity to encourage children to tap into their internal hunger-fullness cues.
Eating balanced, regular meals will help to regulate their blood sugar, which can influence some of the hormones within their little bodies to control mood and concentration. Poor mood and behaviour have often been found in children who have a big gap between meals or snacks, such as if they haven’t had breakfast.
Whilst little ones are in Childcare...
Are children getting enough food in care?
Having a big group of children in one space can be overwhelming and hard to contain, which makes meal or snack time a challenge. It can sometimes feel like a wave where one child acts out and suddenly it becomes a domino effect of everyone messing around, playing, and simply not touching their food. Like we discussed, not having regular meals and snacks can impact the energy levels of children, which directly influences their behaviour. If we think about the number of hours they may spend at childcare, having a steady flow of energy is important.
To ensure we create a positive meal and snack time experience for children to encourage eating, we should consider their eating routine. The highlight here is to educate ground rules and expectations to have a protected dining space. This is an area where everyone sits down together to enjoy their meal, and bonus points if the childcare teachers join in as well. This is because the teachers can role model healthy eating. I’m sure we’ve heard of the saying that ‘children are sponges’, so if there is a behaviour we want them to adopt, we should do it ourselves for them to model.
Menu Makeover for Children with Challenging Behaviours
Adapting childcare menus to accommodate children with challenging behaviours feels like a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some ways that we can encourage them to enjoy mealtimes at childcare.
Firstly, involve them! Getting them involved in the menu planning process empowers them to have autonomy over their eating. By providing opportunities to explore a variety of foods prepared in different ways, they will be encouraged to make healthy and interesting choices. This helps to understand what their preferences are, which builds the childcare’s ability to create inclusive dining experiences that cater to all tastes. Regular communication with their families also encourages dialogue about food choices and how it translates into boosting positive behaviour to allow them plenty of good energy to take part in daily activities.
Next, try organising some fun activities involving food! It doesn’t just have to be meal prep, it could be creating a piece of art using a rainbow of fruits and vegetables, or even getting them to create their own snacks. If you’re lucky enough to have access to a garden, get them involved in that as well! Children often feel a sense of accomplishment when they realise what they grew can be used to feed them. All these activities build a child’s exposure to foods, which encourages increased acceptance, especially when trying new foods.
Final Tips for childcare centres dealing with challenging behaviours
Building a balanced menu that is suitable for all kids is a feat. Follow these overarching guidelines to support your planning!
Have a regular flow of snacks available to combat any hungry monsters.
Try to avoid using discretionary items such as cakes and fried foods as snacks, as they could trigger a sugar rush and crash.
Include a portion of each food group (lean meat, vegetables, fruit, dairy, and grains) into their meals where possible to encourage variety and balanced nutrition.
Make it a treat for the eyes! When a meal is plated in a visually appealing way, it can stimulate appetite.
Have space for flexibility - being able to respond to any feedback from the children or family can be helpful in adapting the menu to meet their needs and preferences.
Still feeling a bit lost?
You’re not alone! Support is all around.
Dietitians are a great resource with their expertise in child nutrition and behaviour, they can offer personalized advice and support to ensure every child thrives, both inside and out. Reach out to an OSCAR Care Group Dietitian Accredited Practising Dietitians with any questions or concerns you may have. We support families and childcare alike.
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