Healthy eating in childhood is not only what is on the plate. Family habits, culture, physical activity and socioeconomic factors all shape how and what children eat every day. Understanding these influences helps parents and caregivers support better nutrition, no matter their circumstances.

Socioeconomic Status

Socioeconomic status (SES) can have a big impact on the quality of a child's diet. High income families are more likely to access high quality, nutrient-rich but generally expensive food. Lower income families often select diets based on price, resulting in food high in energy but low in nutrients. These families also bring home very few fruits and vegetables (FrieslandCampina Institute, 2022).

Culture and Tradition

Culture influences how food is prepared, what is seen as "healthy," and how, when and with whom children eat. In some cultures, certain foods may be restricted for children because they are seen as difficult or not "right" for their age. Religious or traditional practices may limit or encourage specific foods at different stages of childhood or during illness. Sometimes, these traditions can limit the variety in diet or exclude important nutrients, so being open to new foods can help children get what they need. Food preferences and mealtime routines are often passed down from parents and grandparents, creating patterns that children follow as they grow older (Monterrosa et al., 2020).

Family Habits

Physical Activity

Regular physical activity is important for a healthy weight and supports good eating habits. Children should be encouraged to be active every day, aiming for at least 60 minutes of physical activity. This reduces the risk of weight gain from unhealthy foods. Stress can sometimes make children crave foods high in sugar or fat. Physical activity helps manage stress and supports a healthier relationship with food (Mayo Clinic, 2025).

Tips for Parents

• Try new foods together. Make mealtimes a family event and encourage trying new, healthy foods (Active Ability, n.d.).

• Respect tradition but add variety. Keep favourite cultural foods but try to include more fruits, vegetables and whole grains if there is not already (Monterrosa et al., 2020).

• Be a role model and show enjoyment of healthy eating and active living (Romanos-Nanclares et al., 2018).

• Get moving as a family. Walk, play or do activities together to make movement fun and routine (Mayo Clinic, 2025).

• Make the most of what you have. Even with a limited budget, small changes like swapping sugary drinks for water or adding one more vegetable to meals can make a huge difference especially in the long run (Active Ability, n.d.).

Key Takeaways

• Healthy eating in children is influenced by family habits, culture, physical activity and socioeconomic factors.

• Families with higher income usually have better access to fresh, nutritious foods while lower-income families may rely more on cheaper, less healthy options.

• Cultural beliefs and traditions affect what foods children eat and when, sometimes limiting variety or important nutrients.

• Parents' knowledge and behaviour strongly shape children's eating habits. Positive role modelling encourages healthier choices.

• Regular physical activity supports healthy weight and helps manage cravings and stress related to unhealthy eating.

References (5)

Active Ability (n.d.), Common Nutritional Concerns for Children in Australia, Active Ability, Accessed 31 July 2025, Common Nutritional Concerns in Children | Active Ability

FrieslandCampina Institute 2022, The correlation between socioeconomic status and healthy diets, FrieslandCampina Institute, Accessed 16 July 2025, The correlation between socioeconomic status and healthy diets | FrieslandCampina Institute

Mayo Clinic 2025, Child obesity, Mayo Clinic, Accessed 14 July 2025, Childhood obesity - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

Monterrosa, E.C., Frongillo, E.A., Drewnowski, A., de Pee, S. and Vandevijvere, S. 2020, Sociocultural Influences on Food Choices and Implications for Sustainable Healthy Diets,

Romanos-Nanclares, A., Zazpe, I., Santiago, S., Marin, L., Rico-Campa, A. and Martin-Calvo, N. 2018, Influence of Parental Healthy-Eating Attitudes and Nutritional Knowledge on Nutritional Adequacy and Diet Quality among Preschoolers: The SENDO Project, MDPI, Accessed 16 July 2025, Influence of Parental Healthy-Eating Attitudes and Nutritional Knowledge on Nutritional Adequacy and Diet Quality among Preschoolers: The SENDO Project