Coordinating Home and School in Strategies to Prevent Childhood Malnutrition and Obesity

Close collaboration between families and schools is the key to addressing childhood nutritional issues. Currently, a lack of synchronization between home and school environments often hinders optimal nutritional outcomes. Many children receive instruction on healthy eating at school but frequently consume sugary drinks and fast food at home. Conversely, a family's effort to prioritize nutrition can be undermined if school meals do not meet the child's essential requirements.

Families play a foundational role in establishing early eating habits. Children develop their attitudes toward food by observing their parents. When adults prioritize natural foods, limit sugary drinks, and maintain the atmosphere of family meals, children naturally adopt these positive behaviors. Meanwhile, schools play a reinforcing role by constructing balanced, diverse school lunch programs and creating a positive, stress-free dining environment.

Portion control requires limiting risky food groups such as sugary beverages (sodas, milk tea), fast food (fried chicken, sausages, processed goods), and high-sugar snacks. These items are often high in trans fats and salt but low in micronutrients. Instead of absolute prohibition, parents should guide children to choose fresh, minimally processed foods and get accustomed to natural flavors rather than overusing spices.

To maintain a healthy lifestyle, families need to establish a scientific daily routine, ensuring children eat regular meals and limit the use of electronic devices. Additionally, physical activity of moderate to vigorous intensity for at least 60 minutes daily is crucial. According to Associate Professor Nguyen Trong Hung from the National Institute of Nutrition, a healthy child is one who experiences steady growth, maintains regular physical activity, and possesses a positive spirit, all of which require the ongoing partnership of both schools and parents.