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

Nutrition plays a key role in shaping children’s eating behaviors, 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 behaviors of children aged 3-6 years. Food preferences and frequency questionnaires were administered to teachers, children, and their caregivers, supplemented by free drawing and coloring activities. The results revealed discrepancies between parents and teachers, with parents recognizing the importance of fruits and vegetables for health and reporting that children have access to these foods at home. Although parents recognized 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 like watermelon, strawberry, and apple in free drawing and coloring 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.