SURABAYA — Nutritional problems in children seem never-ending. Highlighting the growing prevalence of children consuming ultra-processed foods or high-sugar snacks, BRIN (National Research and Innovation Agency) revealed that data from the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey showed the prevalence of overweight and obesity at around 19.7% in children aged 5-12 and 16% in children aged 13-15. This clearly poses a serious threat to child malnutrition.
These risky eating habits also have long-term impacts on the future of the nation’s generations. Excessive additives such as preservatives, artificial colors, high sodium, and sugar impact children’s immune systems, increasing the risk of stunting and even disrupting cognitive development. Furthermore, early-onset adult diseases such as childhood obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes also pose a real threat.
Despite the numerous risks associated with consuming low-nutrient foods, the Ministry of Health has identified several factors that contribute to children’s continued consumption. These include children being able to choose their own food, loss of appetite due to fatigue, snacking habits, and a lack of nutritional knowledge. These factors are further exacerbated by aggressive food advertising, peer influence, and easy access to snacks around the home and at school.
Facing the onslaught of these external factors, a controlled diet is the primary bulwark to ensure children receive adequate nutrition during their growth and development. This is where the role of the household comes in. The best control can begin in the kitchen, where serving home-cooked meals is crucial. Through home-cooked meals, mothers have full control over the hygiene, quality of ingredients, and the amount of salt, sugar, and fat consumed by their children. This role is also flexible for working mothers, as the mother’s control over the domestic menu is paramount. As the family’s “nutrition manager,” mothers best understand their children’s specific preferences and developmental needs.
Furthermore, the habit of cooking with children also has significant physical and psychological impacts. According to Halodoc, this activity has been proven to strengthen emotional bonding and spark children’s interest in healthy foods. In addition to improving nutritional knowledge and motor skills, this positive habit will also foster healthy eating patterns that will carry into adulthood. Therefore, the best investment in nutrition should begin in the home kitchen. Children’s future health is determined by what’s on their plates today.
