Milk is still very important for child development - even if they are no longer babies. Sadly, children are starting to leave their milk glasses for sodas and sugary drinks so parents should step up and ensure that milk is still part of the diet of the child because it can have long term benefits to your child.

According to the Milk Processor Education Program study in the United States, calories consumed from milk (which includes flavoured milk), drop as children mature. ‘Our study found that milk is a primary source of nutrients in a child’s diet,’ said Mary Murphy, who works at the Environ Health Sciences Institute, Arlington, adding, “But milk consumption steadily declines as children grow older, which may prevent older children and teenagers from consuming the nutrients they need for growth and development.”

Here are some facts on the calories that milk provides for children over the years:

* Ages 2 to 5: 13 percent of daily calories.
* Ages 6 to 11: 9 percent.
* Ages 12 to 18: 6 to 7 percent.

So make sure to prepare a glass of milk for your child. You can join him/her drink milk while you’re at it.