Local PAUD Introduces Healthy Eating Habits for Young Children
A local PAUD in Surabaya has gained attention for introducing a unique program focused on building healthy eating habits among children. Recognizing that nutrition plays a crucial role in a child’s growth and learning ability, the school developed a weekly health-based curriculum. Activities include storytelling about fruits and vegetables, cooking demonstrations, and fun meal-planning games.
Teachers educate students on the importance of balanced meals through songs and visual aids. For example, during snack time, children are asked to identify which foods are healthy and which should be eaten less frequently. They also learn about the origins of different foods, helping them understand where their meals come from.
Every Friday, the school holds a “Fruit and Vegetable Day” where each child brings a small portion of fruit from home. Parents are encouraged to participate by preparing nutritious snacks together with their children. This shared activity not only strengthens family bonding but also helps establish consistent healthy routines at home.
Health professionals are regularly invited to conduct interactive sessions about hygiene, vitamins, and the importance of drinking water. They also monitor students’ growth through periodic check-ups and give simple advice to parents.
The initiative has received strong support from families, who report that their children now prefer fruits and vegetables over sweets. Teachers hope this small step will contribute to raising a generation that understands the importance of health, wellness, and nutrition from an early age.