Pediatric & Adolescent Health & Wellness

Nutrition plays a key role in helping kids and teens grow, learn, and thrive. Today, about 1 in 5 children in the U.S. live with obesity, while many others experience selective eating or nutrient gaps (CDC, 2024). Early support helps kids develop confidence and lifelong healthy habits around food.

Supporting Your Child’s Health Through Nutrition

Nutrition is a cornerstone of healthy development, helping children and teens grow, learn, and thrive. Balanced eating supports physical growth, brain development, mood regulation, and energy for daily activities. However, many children today face challenges such as selective eating, nutrient gaps, or excess weight—affecting not only health, but confidence and family mealtime dynamics (CDC, 2024).

                                                                                    Why Early Support Matters
Establishing a positive relationship with food early in life lays the groundwork for lifelong wellness. When families receive guidance on how to create balanced, flexible, and enjoyable eating habits, children are more likely to build confidence in their food choices and trust their body’s cues for hunger and fullness.

How Medical Nutrition Therapy Can Help
At Turn Leaf Wellness, our registered dietitian works with families to make nutrition feel approachable and sustainable. Sessions focus on:

  • Understanding your child’s unique nutritional needs and growth patterns

  • Creating mealtime routines that reduce stress and encourage participation

  • Exploring new foods through curiosity and play

  • Using mindful eating strategies to promote body awareness and self-regulation

This collaborative approach helps parents feel supported and empowered to nurture their child’s health—one meal, one conversation, and one habit at a time.

Nutrition Tips for Growing Kids
• Create a consistent meal and snack schedule to support regular appetite patterns.
• Offer a variety of foods without pressure—exposure builds comfort.
• Model positive eating behaviors—kids learn by watching adults.
• Encourage mindful bites: pause, taste, and talk about the flavors and textures.