The Family's Role in Meeting Nutritional Needs to Prevent Stunting in Early Childhood

Abstract

Stunting remains one of the nutritional issues receiving serious attention in Indonesia because it affects children’s physical development, growth, and quality of life in the future. In order to prevent stunting in children from an early age, families are essential in providing for their nutritional needs. The purpose of this study is to explain how families can help young children avoid stunting by providing them with a healthy diet. The study used the phenomenological method in a qualitative manner. Five parents with little children participated in the study. Observation, interviews, and documentation were used to gather data, which was then reduced, presented, and conclusions were drawn. The results indicate that parents have a fairly good understanding of the importance of nutrition for children's growth and development. Families play role in providing nutritious food, accompanying children during meals, implementing healthy eating habits, and monitoring children’s growth as part of efforts to prevent stunting. Challenges faced include economic constraints, children’s difficulty in consuming certain foods, and food-selection habits. Efforts made by families include providing a varied diet, using positive reinforcement to encourage children, and masking use of food available in the local community. The findings of this study confirm that family involvement plays a crucial role in ensuring adequate nutrition and preventing stunting in young children.