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Expert Q&A
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| By Christopher S. Cooper, M.D., F.A.A.P., F.A.C.S. Associate Professor at the University of Iowa Director of Pediatric Urology for the Children's Hospital of Iowa | ||
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Which meal is the most important for children?
I think it's most important for parents to remember that all meals, and snacks, are important. It is most important to make sure that your child gets the nutrient he needs, but when may vary from child to child – and from day to day.
It is important to remember that often, lunch is the largest meal for a child, and quite often snacks provide excellent nutrition throughout the day. In fact, eating habits in kids are often erratic and unpredictable. Watch overall intake over several days to ensure that food jags don't become a problem, but also don't force kids to eat if they are not hungry. They have an innate ability to know when they are hungry and when they are not.
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