Question

Your friend has recently been appointed at an Early Childhood Centre. Using your knowledge of meal planning for preschoolers, advise him/her about any three important points that should be considered while planning meals.

Hint:

Think of what suits a small child: nutrition for growth, food that attracts, and food that is easy to digest.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understand what is asked:
Preschoolers are children of about 3 to 5 years. They are growing fast, but they are fussy eaters and have small stomachs.
We must advise the friend about any three points to keep in mind while planning meals for them.

Step 2: Point 1: plan balanced and nutritious food:
The meal should include cereals, pulses, milk, vegetables and fruits so that the child gets all nutrients for growth.

Step 3: Point 2: use finger, attractive and colourful food:
Small children like to eat on their own with their fingers. Bite size pieces and bright colours such as carrot sticks make them interested in food.

Step 4: Point 3: avoid fried and spicy food:
Fried and spicy foods are hard to digest and can upset a small child's stomach. Boiled, steamed or lightly cooked food is better.

Step 5: One more point you may use:
Sweets should be avoided because they spoil the appetite and the teeth. Any three points are enough.

Final Answer:
Plan balanced food, give finger and colourful food, and avoid fried and spicy food. \[\boxed{\text{Balanced meals, finger or colourful food, avoid fried spicy food}}\]