What method can help assess whether a child is receiving adequate nutrition?

Initiating calorie counts for each meal is a practical method for assessing whether a child is receiving adequate nutrition. Caloric intake is a fundamental component of a child's nutritional status, and tracking the number of calories consumed allows healthcare providers to evaluate whether the child meets their specific energy needs based on their age, weight, height, activity level, and overall health status.

By counting calories, you can identify any deficiencies or excesses in the child's diet. This information can help guide dietary modifications to ensure the child is receiving balanced nutrition that supports healthy growth and development. Additionally, calorie counting can reveal patterns in eating habits, such as preferences for nutrient-dense foods versus empty-calorie options, which can lead to more informed dietary recommendations.

The other methods mentioned may provide indirect insights into a child's overall well-being or social environment, but they do not directly measure nutritional adequacy. Monitoring a child's friends or focusing solely on meal variety does not quantitatively assess intake or provide clear indicators of nutritional sufficiency. Following the child's school progress might highlight issues related to focus or energy levels but wouldn’t directly indicate their nutritional status without additional context.