Undeniably, parents are the main figures who shape children. The role of parents, especially mothers, is very important in meeting nutritional needs, as well as stimulating and monitoring children's growth and development every day. Children can grow up healthily, and their ability to develop well, cannot be separated from the role of the mother and father.
Raising and monitoring the growth and development of children is the duty of both parents. But generally, a mother feels more emotionally attached because she is the one who conceives and gives birth. This is reinforced by studies showing that emotional attachment between mother and child can strengthen the immune system, prevent disease, and sharpen the intelligence (IQ) of children.
The bond between mother and child is a complex combination of psychological and biological aspects. The relationship between mother and child can affect brain growth, growth hormones, and the child's general health condition. Therefore, mothers must be number one in supporting children's growth and development in various ways.
Providing Nutrition
In a study involving children under the age of 12, it was revealed that parents are role models children in terms of nutrition and diet. There are a variety of important nutrients to be contained in a child's nutritional intake, such as:
- Variety of essential nutrients for child development
Omega-3 and omega-6 are classified as good fats that the body cannot produce, so they must be obtained from food or milk. The content of omega-3 and omega-6 is very important for the development and function of a child's brain.
- Source of essential nutrients
Foods that are the best sources of omega-3s are fish, such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel. While omega-6 is found in vegetable oils. However, if the consumption of fish and vegetable oil has not been met. Mothers can give formula milk that contains omega-3 and omega-6 to complete the nutritional needs of the little one. Likewise, if your child is quite picky about food. Omega-3 consists of EPA, DHA, and ALA.
The nutritional content that is no less important in selected formula milk is beta glucan, which is a type of fiber that can help strengthen a child's immune system. Together with prebiotics such as polydextrose (PDX) and galactooligosaccharides (GOS), the nutrients found in milk are also good for maintaining the health of your little one's digestive tract.
Implementing Good Eating Habits
Apart from ensuring that their nutritional intake is met, parents also need to educate their children so that they have healthy eating habits. If parents eat more in front of the TV or lead a less active lifestyle, then the child will most likely have the same habit.
If the mother wants her child to have healthy eating habits so that they can grow well, do these things:
- Never miss breakfastMake breakfast a priority, because breakfast provides a source of energy for the child's brain and body to start the day. Children who regularly eat breakfast have been shown to be protected from the risk of obesity and perform better in school.
- Serve fruit instead of snacks
Studies show that parents who provide and emphasize the importance of fruits and vegetables, have children who are accustomed to eating healthy foods. Provide fruits and vegetables instead of unhealthy snacks that contain too much sugar, salt, or MSG.
- Get used to eating together with your little oneIn addition to choosing a healthy intake of food and milk for your little one, it is also important for parents to educate them to get used to a healthy diet. There are several ways that can be done, namely by making mealtimes at breakfast and dinner a shared moment so that parents and children can eat together, on that occasion Mother can educate children about the importance of consuming healthy food. Get used to it so that your little one is not used to eating while watching TV.
Stimulates Child Development
Providing nutrition alone is not enough to support child development. In addition to complete nutrition, the child's developmental body must also be supported by a good stimulus. Stimulation in the first five years of life not only has a positive impact on children's brain development at this time, but also their learning abilities in the future.
Perform stimulation for the development of cognitive, motor, communication, and social abilities, by:
- CognitiveCognitive is an intellectual ability, such as the ability to distinguish sounds, textures, remember, and analyze problems. Cognitive abilities can be trained by inviting children to play while learning.
- motor
Motor includes the ability to move and coordination skills of limbs. Children with motor skills problems may have difficulty learning to write, swim, draw, dance, speak, or perform movements that require precision, such as catching a ball.
Train motor skills can be done from an early age, for example by baby gym or baby exercise. If the child is old enough, you can also train motor skills while playing.
- Communication
Children's communication skills are related to the ability to write, read, and establish interpersonal relationships, both now and when they grow up. The way to train this ability is to invite children to talk, sing songs, and read fairy tales, even since the little one is only able to communicate by smiling or crying.
- Social
Stimulating children's social skills can be done by letting children play with other children, and teaching children to recognize and control emotions. Various games that involve imagination can also stimulate this ability, such as playing with dolls and cooking.
Monitoring Child Growth and Choosing the Right Milk
As parents who spend the most time with their children, it is natural to monitor the growth and development of their children. The child's growth and development can be monitored regularly by taking the child to the Posyandu or pediatrician's practice for weighing and measuring height and monitoring the progress of his development.
To support good health and growth and development for your little one, it is important for mothers to know the choice of formula milk that is good for them. Milk that is good for your little one contains essential fatty acids omega-3, omega-6, protein, natural fiber beta glucan and a supporting formulation that contains prebiotics such as PDX and GOS to maintain digestive health and strengthen the baby's immune system.
