What is a key factor in supporting children's favorable growth and development?

Maintaining a healthy body through proper nutrition and exercise is essential for children's favorable growth and development. Adequate nutrition provides the necessary vitamins, minerals, and energy required for physical growth, cognitive development, and overall health. A balanced diet supports the brain's development, boosts the immune system, and helps prevent chronic diseases. Additionally, regular physical activity is important for developing gross and fine motor skills, enhancing coordination, and promoting mental well-being. Exercise also plays a notable role in establishing a foundation for healthy habits, which can carry on into adulthood, further supporting ongoing development.

The other options present ideas that do not effectively contribute to a child's overall growth or may even hinder it. Unlimited screen time can lead to sedentary behavior, impacting physical health and limiting opportunities for socialization and active play, which are crucial for development. Focusing solely on social interactions overlooks the holistic needs of a child, where physical health must also be prioritized. Enforcing strict diets without professional guidance can lead to nutritional deficiencies or unhealthy relationships with food, ultimately impairing growth and development.