Challenges and Strategies in Parenting Undernourished Toddlers: A Maternal Perspective Dry Land, Kupang City East Nusa Tenggara- Indonesia

Delay in the provision of complementary foods

Irregular mealtimes (Children are fed twice a day and when desired without a fixed schedule)

Imbalance of portions and textures (Dominance of rice over side dishes and vegetables as well as the texture of rice that is still used for children aged 3 and 4 years)

Lack of food variety (nondiverse food types, and unattractive appearance)

Unhealthy habits (Children are often given snacks [bread, biscuits] every day with high frequency)

Meal interludes are given once or only if there are any

Not accompanying the child during meals

Improper strategy (When the child does not want to eat, the mother forces it, replacing it with formula milk or storing food to be given later)

No menu planning (No setting daily/weekly meal variations)

Not optimal personal hygiene (Not washing hands before eating and after defecation)

Dental health is not paid attention to (Only brushing teeth once a day)

Simple waste handling (Burning waste as the main method of disposal)

Lack of routine health monitoring (Not attending posyandu regularly and not fully immunized)

Supplements are not consumed by the child

The administration of deworming has not been maximized (Children have not received deworming as recommended)

Treatment when sick is not appropriate (Depending on the traditional method [wear thick clothes to sweat and be given honey])

No health/nutrition consultation (Mother has never consulted regarding children’s health or nutrition issues)