Healthy eating for children and young people
Parents and carers are responsible for what their children eat and when.
Children decide when they are full.
As a parent, providing your child with the best start to life is a priority, and nutrition plays a crucial role in their growth and development.
Providing a well-balanced and nutritious diet for your child can help support their physical growth, cognition, immune system and bone health. Also, establishing healthy habits in childhood and adolescence can last a lifetime. Healthy children grow into healthy adults!
The role of nutrition for children’s growth and weight
Children are at their healthiest when they grow within a healthy weight range for their age. If they don't consume the right nutrients, they may be at risk of nutritional deficiencies and falling below or above a healthy weight. This can have further complications for children and may include sleep problems, muscle and joint issues, asthma and respiratory conditions.
A child’s weight should not be the only focus of growth and development. When you focus on the process and habits of healthy lifestyles, like nutritious eating and movement patterns, your child is much more likely to enjoy the outcomes. See Encouraging healthy habits and Simple steps to increase kids' movement for more ideas.
As a parent, you can support your child's growth and development by following the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and ensuring they get the recommended serves from the five food groups. This will help your child eat enough macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates and fats) and micronutrients (eg, vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, and vitamin C) for energy, growth and development.