– Pallavi Karn, Central Volunteer, SOCHAI
Human beings are inherently social creatures. Our existence thrives on mutual support—physically, emotionally, economically, and socially. This interdependence begins from birth and continues throughout our lives. Families play a pivotal role in nurturing individuals from infancy to independence, shaping their habits, values, and well-being.
A child’s food habits are more than just what’s on their plate—they mirror the environment they grow up in. With the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and obesity, poor dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, and the widespread availability of ultra-processed foods have become pressing public health concerns. These issues often take root in childhood, heavily influenced by the family environment. In today’s fast-paced world, urbanization, flashy marketing of unhealthy foods, and increased screen time are making it harder than ever to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
As a dietitian and advocate for nutrition, I have observed firsthand the profound impact that family environments have on dietary habits and overall health. Proper nutrition is crucial for a child’s physical and mental development. This motivation led me to the Yadav family and initaitve the Family पोषण” series. This series is based on the understanding that early childhood is a critical time for establishing food preferences and lifestyle habits that can last a lifetime.
“Family पोषण” seeks to create a supportive environment where children can develop a positive relationship with food, laying the groundwork for long-term health. Through this series, we hope to inspire families to take proactive steps in shaping their children’s future well-being, one meal and one habit at a time.
I am so grateful to the Yadav family, who graciously allowed me to observe and provide guidance on their dietary practices. The Yadav family comprises three members: Father Suresh Yadav, Mother Sarita Yadav, and their seven-year-old daughter, Pragya Yadav. Like many families, they face the challenge of ensuring their child’s nutrition amidst the attraction towards fast food and the difficulties posed by picky eating.
Fast food, with its vibrant colors and flavors, is particularly appealing to children. Once they experience the taste, they often prefer these salty, sugary, and spicy snacks over healthier options. Additionally, picky eating can make mealtime a challenge. Sarita Yadav expressed her concerns about Pragya’s eating habits, noting that her daughter is selective with her food, particularly disliking milk.
Sarita shared, “Of course, my daughter is a picky eater and doesn’t enjoy many foods, like milk. We don’t believe in using anger or punishment; instead, we experiment with various recipes to make meals more enjoyable for her.”
Physical activity is another crucial aspect of a child’s development. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily for children aged 5-17 years, including three days of moderate to vigorous activity each week. However, the increasing use of mobile phones during mealtimes and homework poses a significant concern.
Suresh Yadav commented on this issue: “It is the parents’ fault that the child spends too much time on mobile devices. Children mimic their parents, and when they see us using our phones frequently, they adopt the same habits, which then become ingrained.”
During my session with the Yadav family, I introduced the “Harek Baar Khaana Chaar” approach—a strategy focusing on diverse and balanced nutrition and the alternatives like painting, cooking together and watering plant that can be adopted to minimize the screen time of children. The aim was to help them create a supportive environment that promotes healthy eating habits and physical activity for Pragya’s growth.
The Yadav family was receptive and enthusiastic about the session. They expressed their satisfaction with the guidance provided and seemed motivated to implement the recommendations to enhance their family’s nutritional practices and support Pragya’s development.
The family environment plays a critical role in shaping a child’s dietary habits and overall health. I will continue working closely with families like the Yadavs through the Family पोषण series initiative. I am hopeful we can promote better nutrition practices and healthier lifestyles from an early age through the family-engaged approach. It is through such collaborative efforts that we can build a healthier future, one family at a time.
