Eating behaviour of early childhood from different perspectives in Brazil: the child himself and their caregivers and teachers

Abstract

Nutrition plays a key role in shaping children’s eating behaviours, which can be influenced by environment and social interactions, making careful management essential at home and school. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the perceptions of caregivers in these settings regarding the consumption and eating behaviours of children aged 3–6 years. Food preferences and frequency questionnaires were administered to children, and their teachers and caregivers, supplemented by free drawing and colouring activities. The results revealed discrepancies between parents and teachers, with parents recognising the importance of fruits and vegetables for health and reporting that children have access to these foods at home. Although parents recognised the importance of vegetable consumption, teachers did not share this perception, as they observed limited access to these foods among children and even reported difficulties in introducing them into the school environment. The most consumed foods during main meals were rice, beans, vegetables and meats, while fruits and dairy products were predominant in breakfast and snacks. Children frequently mentioned fruits such as watermelon, strawberry, and apple using free drawing and colouring activities. These findings highlight significant differences in perceptions between parents and teachers regarding children’s access to healthy foods, underscoring the need for improved communication to promote healthier eating habits.