Nutrition Post: Nurturing Children and Mother’s Growth
Mrs. Sumari and Vinzo are among dozens of participants at the Nutrition Post who have experienced positive impacts. Not only does it focus on fulfilling balanced nutrition for children, but this activity also creates a peer support group for mothers, and provides a platform for toddlers to learn to socialise with their surroundings. The Nutrition Post is a real step in supporting holistic child development.
Toddler growth and development is an important foundation for a child's future, where physical, cognitive, and emotional development takes place rapidly. During this period, the fulfilment of proper nutrition, adequate stimulation, and a supportive environment are key determinants to ensure children can grow up healthy and confident. One of the problems often felt by parents in meeting the needs of toddler growth and development is the fulfilment of sufficient and appropriate nutrition. Mrs. Sumari (32) is one of millions of mothers in the world who has concerns about fulfilling the nutrition of her child, Vinzo, who is almost three years old.
Initially, Vinzo had no problems with consuming fruits and vegetables from six months to one year old. However, as he got older, Vinzo began to show disinterest in fruits and vegetables when he needed to learn to consume pieces of fruits and vegetables. This is what led Mrs. Sumari to accept the offer of cadres to participate in the Nutrition Post activity for 10 days.
In her 10 days of activities, Mrs. Sumari explained how the cadres and facilitators provided a lot of knowledge about proper and balanced nutrition for toddlers. While participating in the Nutrition Post activity, Mrs. Sumari felt she received a lot of recipe inspiration for healthy toddler dishes and snacks. "The food recipes given are very varied, easy to follow, and the ingredients are also easy to obtain and affordable. Vinzo also really likes the homemade dim sum, roulade, and nuggets that I make," said Mrs. Sumari. In addition, Mrs. Sumari also explained how Vinzo is now starting to try to consume pieces of fruits and vegetables when eating with his friends, an impact of participating in the Nutrition Post activity.
In addition to knowledge about fulfilling nutrition, there are other interesting things told by Mrs. Sumari about the Nutrition Post activity. "I feel very happy because from this activity, I feel not only gaining knowledge but also support from fellow toddler mothers and the cadres," she said. Mrs. Sumari feels that the Nutrition Post is a space for mutual support for toddler mothers because through this activity mothers can share stories and experiences about optimising child development. Mrs. Sumari also told how Vinzo's behaviour changed, who used to be often afraid and shy when meeting many people, but now he no longer feels afraid because he get used to socialise with many children and adults while participating in the Nutrition Post.
Through the story of Mrs. Sumari and Vinzo, we can learn that every child is different and has their own timeline to develop according to their unique potential. As Mrs. Sumari said, "The key is to be patient and diligent."
The development of child growth and development is not only influenced by the external environment, but what is most important is how the active role of parents and families as the closest environment always provides positive support for child development. Every small step in child development is a great achievement that deserves to be appreciated. Let's continue to be part of this extraordinary journey, accompanying children with love and confidence that every day is a new opportunity to learn and grow together.
Author: Levi Nadilla Putri (Field Facilitator ffrom Simokerto Area Programme’s partner)
Editor: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)
