Dairy isn’t the only way to give your kids the calcium they need.
Dairy isn’t the only way to give your kids the calcium they need.
Your child’s body needs calcium for the healthy development and strengthening of muscle and bones, as well as to maintain normal blood pressure, regulate blood clotting, prevent digestive tract cancers, and help his or her heart, muscles, and nervous system function well. That’s a long list! Though dairy products are usually the go-to options for calcium, if he or she is lactose intolerant, doesn’t like those items, or avoids them due to ethical or religious restrictions, there are other options to get the recommended daily amount.
Most toddlers and preschoolers do a good job of meeting their calcium needs, but as they get older, especially in the 9-18 year range, calcium intake plummets! It’s good to “train” young children to eat these various calcium foods early on so they will continue to eat them later!
Great to know about these choices since my kids don’t drink a lot of milk.
My 4 year old has become extremely picky. However, orange juice is one thing that she will drink. This summer I have been freezing it and making orange popsicles. She loves it!