The Role of Family and School in Shaping Healthy Nutritional Habits for Children

The double burden of malnutrition, encompassing both stunting and overweight/obesity, has become a significant public health challenge in Vietnam. Addressing this issue requires changing perceptions and nutritional practices, which goes beyond the individual level and necessitates close collaboration between the two most critical environments: the home and the school.

At home, parents play a direct role as guides through food selection and the preparation of daily meals. Accessing a balanced diet rich in micronutrients while limiting processed foods is key to helping children establish healthy eating habits early on. Parental persistence in introducing a variety of vegetables and whole foods helps establish a sustainable foundation for a child's palate.

Meanwhile, the school environment acts as a practical laboratory for a healthy lifestyle. Through school meals with strictly controlled nutritional value and educational programs on food safety, schools help children understand the value of each nutrient group for physical and cognitive development. Synergistic efforts between educators and families will create a robust nutritional safety net, protecting the health of the future generation.