Evenings are a time when children complete schoolwork, eat dinner, play, and rest before bed. Certain habits during this period can affect posture, sleep, and nutrition, consequently impacting a child's growth and height development.

Poor study posture

After school, children often do homework at home. Leaning too close to books, hunching, sitting crookedly, or using ill-fitting furniture can strain the spine, affect posture, and make children appear shorter and less balanced. According to Times of India, maintaining incorrect posture over time can impact physical appearance and spinal health.

Parents should adjust furniture, remind children to sit straight with feet comfortably on the floor, and encourage regular posture changes during study sessions.

Parents should regularly monitor their child's height. Photo: Kim Uyen

Unbalanced and inadequate dinners

Dinners lacking variety, skipped meals, or picky eating can prevent children from getting enough energy and nutrients for growth. Growing children require protein for muscle development, along with calcium, vitamin D, and other micronutrients for bone development.

Some children consume many fried foods, sausages, fast food, or sugary drinks in the evening, but few nutrient-rich options. If prolonged, this diet can lead to deficiencies in nutrients crucial for growth.

Eating dinner too late, too much, or frequently snacking close to bedtime can cause bloating, discomfort, and affect sleep quality. Adequate and quality sleep is a significant factor in a child's growth process.

Excessive screen time

The light from electronic devices and the stimulation from videos or games can make it difficult for children to fall asleep or reduce sleep quality. Growth hormone is primarily secreted during deep sleep stages, contributing to bone and height development. Prolonged sleep deprivation impacts a child's growth.

Parents should limit children's phone use in the evening, especially before bedtime, and maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Bedrooms should be quiet, cool, and dimly lit to help children fall asleep easily, according to Parents.

To support height development, parents should encourage children to engage in regular physical activity daily. Weight-bearing activities like running, jumping, and playing ball strengthen muscles, promote bone health, and support healthy musculoskeletal system development.

By Le Nguyen (Compiled)