Children at play: an innovative method for studying and teaching nutritional behaviors

Children at Play: An Innovative Method for Studying and Teaching Nutritional Behaviors 

This article evaluates all the aspects true to children's play but most importantly the signs we can conclude about a Childs nutritional behaviors through their play and decisions based off of those behaviors. Play enhances and creates many beneficial factors for growing children. Not only does play develop their imagination, dexterity, physical, emotional and cognitive strength, it also creates  healthy brain development and helps them engage at a very early age with the world around them. Through their play and interactions we can influence nutritional behaviors that will promote health and prevent obesity. Through interactions with children we must show them  healthy eating behaviors in age-appropriate and applicable ways. An example of this is done at the ages 5-8, where children are introduced to different food groups through the food triangle. The more positive and healthy alternatives we show children at an early age the more behavioral influences we can have on their lives and eating habits. These nutritional behaviors are all affected by their social influences like parents, teachers and friends around them and it is a necessity that we promote to children healthy alternatives throughout their developmental periods to create better habits and a better lifestyle for these children. Through their play children are not only being affected emotionally but also physically whether it is done correctly or incorrectly. 

Lynch, M. (2012). Children at Play: An Innovative Method for Studying and Teaching Nutritional Behaviors. Pediatric Nursing, 38(3), 139–143. Retrieved from https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.lib.uconn.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=c8h&AN=104460718&site=ehost-live