Health Promotion of the School-Age Child and Family

The school-age period begins when children start elementary school, at about 6 years of age, and lasts until they finish elementary school, at around 12 years of age. Compared to younger stages, physical growth is slower and steadier, whereas social development is accelerated. To promote the health of your school-age patient, you'll support the child’s nutrition, exercise and activity, and social development.

Now, despite slower growth and decreased caloric needs during this period, the quality of the school-aged child’s diet takes on increased significance since their bodies are in the process of preparing for the increased growth that takes place during adolescence. However, there are certain factors that can cause gaps in nutrition during this period, such as changes in food preferences and increased access to foods that are not nutrient-dense, like foods that are high in sugar and fat.

In addition, the school-aged child may have limited knowledge of how to balance what tastes good with what’s healthy for them. To promote nutrition, ask your patient about their likes and dislikes and what kinds of foods they’re eating while at school. Also ask their caregivers about typical meals eaten at home and teach them about the importance of a balanced healthy diet, which should include around three meals and 2 snacks each day.

Since school-aged children tend to mimic the eating patterns and habits of their family and those around them, be sure to talk to your patient’s caregivers about how to role-model healthy eating habits, and encourage them to serve a variety of vegetables, fruits, dairy products, proteins, and whole grains. Also, advise them to limit fruit juice, soft drinks, salty snacks, and fast foods. Lastly, instruct them to minimize distractions from television and smart phones during mealtimes.

During the school-age period, regular exercise and physical activity support the development of strength, coordination, and balance. These skills allow them to learn new activities, like organized team sports or riding a two-wheeled bicycle. Be sure to encourage your patient’s caregivers to support their child’s participation in a variety of unorganized activities, like swimming, dancing, jumping rope, bike riding, or skating. If your patient has a condition, like a chronic disease or a physical disability, that limits their ability to participate in some types of active play, assist them to identify fun activities that are compatible with their individual needs.