Building a Good Relationship with the Body and Food Through Mindful Eating

This study aims to examine the effect of mindful eating on body and food awareness in early childhood. This study was conducted at Sunshine Daycare, a child and foster care institution managed by the Teacher Education Early Childhood Education Study Program at Surabaya State University. We used a qualitative research and case study as our methods. Subjects were selected using purposive sampling, focusing on children aged 4-6 years, caregivers, and parents who actively participated in the daycare’s activities. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and participatory observations. Interviews were conducted with caregivers, parents, and children to explore their perspectives on eating behavior and the implementation of mindful eating. The key aspects observed during “mealtimes” in the afternoon and evening included eating pace, food selection tendencies, and children’s responses to mindful eating activities. The observation also emphasized children’s expressions of satiety and their recognition of hunger cues.