Parenting coach suggests four habits for child growth between 6 and 12 years
According to the Times of India, parenting teacher Hitesh Mathur advises parents to focus on sleep, nutrition, activity, and growth tracking.
Parenting teacher Hitesh Mathur has highlighted four key habits for parents of children aged 6 to 12 to support healthy development, according to a Times of India report. Mathur, who shares advice through @parentingwithbrainify, suggested that parents focus on sleep, outdoor activity, nutrition, and regular growth tracking rather than comparing children to classmates.
Mathur stated that children in this age group require between 9 and 12 hours of sleep every night. He noted that sleep is linked to the secretion of growth hormone, which is essential for the development of bones and tissues.
Regarding physical activity, Mathur recommended encouraging active outdoor play such as running, climbing, or jumping. While he suggested two hours of vigorous play, the World Health Organization recommends at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily for children aged 5 to 17.
For nutrition, Mathur emphasised the importance of protein, calcium, zinc, and vitamin D. He suggested that parents focus on a varied diet including items like eggs, milk, pulses, and leafy vegetables instead of relying on supplements without medical advice.
Mathur advised parents to track a child's height over time rather than comparing them to peers. He noted that a child's eventual height is largely influenced by genetics, but changes in a consistent growth pattern should be discussed with a paediatrician.