The Role of Self-Regulation in Childrens Eating Behavior

Abstract

Considering food, many people are particularly interested. Food can satisfy hunger and make some foods highly creative. People have an appetite, and more advertisements about food are attractive. Some people want to eat something delicious to celebrate when they are happy, and some people eat to relieve when they feel sad or depressed. There are many delicious foods for people to choose from, however, these food might not be good for children. This paper presents the concept of self-regulation and how self-regulation plays a role in childrens dietary behaviors. The purpose is to find out what impacts childrens healthy eating habits from an early age. A healthy diet has different effects on children from childhood to later stages. If eating healthily is the basis, it can make child have a good and stable mood as well. In addition, childrens self-regulation in dietary behaviors can be influenced by factors of the environment, e.g., the impact of family or parental lifestyles. When a family is well-educated and parents create a harmonious atmosphere, the childs daily diet and behavior habits are positive, which also lays the foundation for the future. On the contrary, if children live under malnutrition, it will affect their living habits in youth and adulthood. Finally, there are the external factors that come into playing a role. Moreover, another restriction should also be considered. Children should have a balanced diet every day. Snacks can be added between meals, but they will not be used as the main meal. This review can provide some insights for healthy diet related programs at schools and communities.