Color and Smell Sensory Play to Help Young Children Prepare to Try New Foods

Amanda Elvina Amanda

Color and Smell Sensory Play to Help Young Children Prepare to Try New Foods

Authors

Amanda Elvina Amanda UIN Sultan Aji Muhammad Idris

Keywords:

Kesiapan Emosional, Neofobia Makanan, Permainan Sensorik Aroma, Permainan Sensorik Warna

Abstract

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of the color and smell sensory play approach in building emotional readiness of early childhood children aged 3–6 years in overcoming the rejection of new foods (food neophobia) within the family environment. The research employed a qualitative design with a multiple case study approach that is descriptive and exploratory. The subjects of the study were 10 families in Balikpapan, Kalimantan Island, who have children aged 3–6 years exhibiting picky eating behavior. Data were collected through participant observation during 4–6 sensory play sessions at home, semi-structured in-depth interviews with parents before and after the intervention, documentation, and respondents’ daily notes. Data analysis was conducted using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis technique with the assistance of NVivo software. The findings showed that the combination of bright color stimuli and natural aromas significantly increased children’s emotional readiness, reduced fear responses and rejection of new foods by up to 80%, and made mealtimes calmer and more enjoyable. This study concludes that the simple and family-centered color and smell sensory play approach is effective when implemented in the home environment and has strong potential to be integrated into Islamic early childhood education to cultivate gratitude and healthy eating habits in accordance with Islamic teachings. This approach offers a practical and holistic solution for stunting prevention in Indonesia.
Keywords: Color Sensory Play, Emotional Readiness, Food Neophobia, Smell Sensory Play

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Color and Smell Sensory Play to Help Young Children Prepare to Try New Foods