PARENT'S GUIDE to PROPER NUTRITION

Children's Learning and Vision Development

Our eyes are the windows through which we see the world. The eyes and the brain are vital organs that are so important for nearly every action that we perform in life. In order to function properly, our eyes and brain need a wide array of nutrients. Children, in particular, need the right nourishment to help in the proper development of their brain and vision.

If you notice any of the following behaviors in your child, she may be suffering from developmental problem that may ultimately affect her learning. If there is a problem, your doctor is the best person to consult about the possible therapy or treatment program to help address these issues.

• holds book or object unusually close
• closes one eye or covers eye with hand
• is unable to sit still or cannot stay on a task for long periods
• twists or tilts head toward book or object so as to favor one eye
• is disorganized and frustrated when studying visual information
• turns or tilts head to see
• head is frequently tilted to one side, or one shoulder is noticeably higher
• poor visual/motor skills (often called,"hand-eye coordination")
• problems moving in space, frequently bumps into things or drop things

Remember that everyone is born with the ability to develop good vision, and that there is a critical period for this development to take place: usually during the first several years of life. A person's brain is also shaped the most during the first 10 years of life. Proper visual stimulation helps because it has been proven to produce developmental advantages in children. You can invest in your child's learning by giving them adequate nutrition that supports proper brain growth and visual development.