Abstract
The purpose of this research is to clarify the meaning of meals from children′s viewpoints by introducing meal time observations in nurseries, kindergartens, and ordinary home settings. The research focuses on the meal times of children through close observation and analysis of their behaviors and actions, as well as to discover the most enjoyable meal time environment for children. In nurseries and kindergartens, it is considered important for children to finish all food given during each meal period. However, the research shows that many children were not happy when they were repeatedly asked to finish all the food that was not eaten or that they did not like within a designated time frame. On the other hand, during meal times surrounded by family, consideration and understanding by family members was observed, resulting in positive responses from children and an enjoyable and freer atmosphere. The research observes that meal times for children are not only for simply eating, but more importantly, a time to slowly enjoy the moment in a freely felt environment with responsive, considerate, and understanding adults. This is considered to help make meal times more enjoyable for children. Ultimately, it is clearly important to value children′s viewpoints during meal times, for the outcome of meal time consumption for children will depend on their feelings to the environment the participating adults help to create.
