Nourishment and physical activity are two of the most important factors which should be fulfilled thoroughly in children as they enter school. Parents can make sure that this part of child development is properly taken care of.

Here are the basic food groups which you should carefully target:

- meats and poultry,

- milk and dairy,

- grains and bread,

- vegetables, and

- fruits.

Now here are some nourishment tips you can apply:

- Talk about it. Teach your children about the different food groups and how important it is to eat a variety of good foods.

- Eat together as a family. Practice what you teach. Parents serve as role models for developing lifelong habits.

- Limit or eliminate foods with sugar: candies, pastries, soft drinks.

- Give younger children small portions. Let them ask for more if they want more.

- Give younger children 5 or 6 mini-meals a day. They have smaller stomachs. It may be an easier way to make sure they get a variety of foods throughout the day. The whole family may want to try this as well. Small mini-meals throughout the day can prevent overeating and high calorie snacking.

- Provide nutritious snacks: fresh fruits, low fat cheese, and cereal with low fat milk.

- Limit eating at fast food restaurants. Fast foods are typically high in fat.

- Don’t expect a clean plate. This can lead to overeating.

- Try a variety of low-fat cooking recipes. Find healthy foods your children will love.

As for fitness:

- Let your infant roam around, safely, as much as possible-limit time in strollers and playpens.

- Make sure your children get outside to play at least 20 to 30 minutes everyday.

- Plan weekly family outings that involve being outdoors: biking, swimming, Frisbee.

- Have a variety of fun equipment that promotes fitness: bouncing balls, basketballs, soccer balls, jump ropes, badminton, hula hoops, and bicycles.