Hi there, and welcome back to our blog. In part one of our short blog series, we began looking at some of the ways parents can take a proactive approach to addressing their child’s vision and eye health at an early age. By focusing on your child’s eye wellness while they are in daycare and preschool programs here at Rising Generations Early Learning Center, parents can contribute to their child’s successful learning. As we mentioned in part one, the best way to address your child’s vision is by keeping up with routine eye exams with a local eye doctor here in the Lanham-Bowie area. This can help ensure that your child’s vision needs are addressed early on in case they have any vision issues that may require prescription glasses. Because your child will be engaging in reading, writing, and activities that require hand-eye coordination, retention, recognition, and comprehension, the link between their vision and learning is key. Below are some more ways parents can encourage healthy eyes and vision wellness.
Snack & Foods That Promote Healthy Eyes
Nutritious foods are important for providing a child’s growing body with the nutrients they require for healthy eyes and good vision. While we at Rising Generations plan healthy meals for our small scholars, parents can prepare meals and snacks that benefit the eyes, too. Fruits high in vitamins A and C, such as oranges, strawberries, and papaya, provide the most effective antioxidants and nutrients to support strong, healthy eyes. Vitamin C-rich fruits and other foods may also help prevent degenerative eye problems which can begin developing at an early age. Green, leafy vegetables—your child’s favorite foods—are also a great source of vitamins A, C, and D, and provide calcium to nourish the eyes. Your kiddo may prefer eating carrots, sweet corn, and eggs that are packed with lutein, one of the best antioxidants for strengthening the eyes. Blueberries and grapes are a kid-approved snack and can help reduce eye fatigue and are a delicious source for zinc and selenium to improve overall vision.
Practice Good Hygiene
Getting your child to practice good hygiene at an early age is one of the best defenses parents have in fighting eye issues that stem from germs. Public places are breeding grounds for a myriad of germs and infections, including conjunctivitis or pink eye. While we maintain clean facilities and promote good hygiene on a regular basis at Rising Generations, germs still find their way into the air and onto surfaces. Dirty hands and surfaces spread these easily transferrable infections; therefore, encouraging your kiddos to regularly wash their little hands, and avoid touching and rubbing their eyes and faces with dirty hands can reduce the risk of catching one of these eye infections.
The connection between healthy eyes and successful learning is a strong one. If parents actively encourage good practices and monitor their child’s eye health consistently, this proactive approach can significantly benefit a child’s ability to learn all throughout their schooling. If you’re looking to enroll your infant or toddler in a daycare or preschool program, contact Rising Generations Early Learning Center and talk with our friendly staff about our early learning programs.