As parents, we have also once been young and very much full of dreams. Even today, we are still full of dreams but maybe of a different nature as compared to when we were just adolescents. Back then, maybe our dreams consisted of wanting to be with one of the Backstreet Boys or to be able to dress like the Spice Girls.
Today, our dreams may differ in that we would rather see our children’s dreams come true. To a parent, there is nothing more joyful than to see our children’s dreams coming true and to see the smile on their faces when they’ve achieved their goals.
“We mothers stand still so our daughters can look back and see how far they have come.” – Ruth Handler, Barbie
The Barbie movie has made us all laugh and cry in the cinemas, and the quote above has truly made us all as parents feel very strong emotions. Not just for mothers and daughters but of course, fathers and sons too.
The point is parents become the pillars that watch over their children’s successes.
A little support is needed for faster growth…
But sometimes, success and dreams don’t come true so easily. Today, it is easier to see many young teenagers aspiring to become successful due to the power of social media. Whenever we scroll TikTok or Instagram reels, we can see these youngsters involving themselves in many things that can bring them closer to their dreams.
For instance, a young teenager may dream of becoming a footballer but a dream like that surely isn’t easily attainable. Aside from being active and passionate, one must also be physically fit to become a successful footballer.
Unfortunately, according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2022, about 1 in 5 children below five years old are affected by stunting and the number is slowly getting higher [1] . Malaysian teens between the ages of 10-17 years old on the other hand are up to 6 centimetres shorter than other teenagers worldwide [2].
“What is stunting?”, you may wonder. Stunting is when a child is lower in height as compared to their age. One of the reasons for stunting is caused by malnutrition without proper nutrition that is complete and balanced [3].
This condition is one of the most devastating effects of malnutrition deprives these children and teenagers of their opportunity to achieve their full potential. A teenager wanting to join a school football team may be disregarded due to not achieving the optimal physical assessment to become a footballer.
Parents can show a little extra support!
Not all hope is lost, though! Between the ages of 1-15 years old, it is still possible for parents to address the issue and help their child catch up to their full growth potential! At this age, the bones are still growing (in growth plates – which is the area near the ends of long bones in children and teens that determines the future length of bones).
There are two stages of growing for your child, the first being between the ages of 1-5 years old where up to 60% of the adult height is achieved. However, the second stage of growth happens at the ages of 10-15 years old where up to 20% of adult height is achieved. [4] This stage is the last chance for you to help your teens catch up on their growth before the bone plates close and the final height is achieved.
So, parents, do not miss this chance to support your child to grow to greatness shortly!
There are many ways a parent can support their child in achieving their dreams.
How to bolster up your child’s successes [5]:
1. Set an example
Parents can help nurture their teenager’s successes by creating a good example. If your child dreams of becoming a footballer, most likely the father or the mother of the child is also passionate about the sport. Set a good example to your aspiring teenager: teach them good values and lessons, and always provide positive and constructive criticisms.
2. Understand their point of view
Sometimes, parents can be quick to disregard their children’s thoughts. However, a child can only reach their full potential when the parents understand them well. Before you disagree with your child, remember that you were once their age too! It helps both parties better when the parent understands the child’s point of view and why they dream of so-and-so.
3. Be their #1 supporter!
A parent who greatly supports their children’s dreams and goals will become the child’s biggest inspiration to succeed. Be there for them whenever and wherever you can, especially to the things that matter the most to them.
4. Spend some time with them
Be a parent, be present! You don’t have to spend all your 24 hours with your growing child, but you can spare some time to spend with your beloved offspring. For instance, if both of you are passionate about football, how about spending a little evening time together watching PediaSure’s Grow to Great docuseries show on TV3 every Sunday at 7.30 pm starting from 1st October 2023? Who knows, maybe your little one will be a part of it too one day!
5. Provide them with complete balanced nutrition
Many people underestimate the importance of balanced nutrition in a person’s diet. A complete and balanced nutrition can greatly help a growing youngster to achieve their optimal potential, especially when they have BIG dreams! To achieve big dreams, one must be of the right size too. So, Mama and Papa, why not try PediaSure 10+ to fuel your teens’ increased nutritional needs during their final growth spurt?
What’s great about PediaSure 10+ for teens?
PediaSure 10+ is the first complete, balanced nutrition supplement in Malaysia that is designed for teens aged 10 years and above to catch up on growth.
It is formulated with a Triple Growth System & 2x more key nutrients* for height, energy & support immune function. PediaSure 10+ is also formulated with 38 key nutrients including Arginine and Vitamin K2 & Calcium for longer & strong bone growth.
It also contains prebiotics, and 2x Zinc* to support your teen’s immune function
If your teenager has one of these factors: active lifestyle, sub-optimal growth, poor appetite, poor dietary habits, picky with food or if they just need a nutritional boost, then PediaSure 10+ is the nutritional support that they need. You can easily incorporate it into your teen’s daily diet as breakfast or as a nutritious milk drink before/ after outdoor sports and activities. Best of all, it comes in two delicious flavours which are vanilla and chocolate.
C’mon, everyone loves these classic flavours.
Don’t miss the last chance to help your teen catch up on growth. Learn more about PediaSure 10+ for teens here today!
References:
[1] https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/heal/2023/08/937324/health-childhood-stunting-major-problem#:~:text=Based%20on%20the%20National%20Health,of%20our%20adolescents%20are%20stunted.
[2] NCD-RisC (2020). Lancet 396:1511-24
[3] https://www.concern.net/news/what-is-stunting
[4] WHO Growth Standards, 2007
[5]https://www.sapienkid.com/how-can-parents-support-their-kids-to-dream/#:~:text=In%20order%20to%20support%20your,Happy%20Parenting
*As compared to PediaSure designed for 1-10 year olds.
