A Mother Challenges Traditions to Change Diets for Children

Changing deep-rooted habits is never easy, especially when they are traditions passed down through generations. But for 35-year-old Zhagraf Maulida, known as Aaf, challenging unhealthy practices that affect the health and future of her children – along with those in her entire community – is worth the effort.

A mother of three from Semarang, Central Java, Aaf started her mission to influence how mothers feed their children after attending a series of child nutrition workshops organized by Fatayat Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) in partnership with Tanoto Foundation and UNICEF.

One session in particular, that was focused on suitable food for infants to complement breastfeeding (MPASI), opened her eyes to the importance of including a significant amount of animal protein in a child’s diet after six months of age.

Until then, Aaf, like many mothers in her community, was unaware of how crucial this is for a child’s growth and development. She primarily fed her first two children with fruits and vegetables. With her newfound knowledge, Aaf began to change how she fed her youngest child, 17-month-old Wulung, preparing meals rich in animal protein, including fish, along with other essential nutrients.

Aaf didn’t stop at her own family’s diet. As a cadre at both Fatayat NU and at a local integrated health services post (Posyandu), and a leader of the Family Welfare Education (PKK) group, Aaf felt a deep responsibility to share what she had learned with other mothers in her community.

Despite her busy schedule as a housewife, mother, and social media content creator, Aaf finds time to regularly talk with mothers throughout her neighborhood, often during evening gatherings while their children play together at the Posyandu, or while tending to their urban farming projects.

What began as a therapeutic activity for busy mothers, urban farming in Aaf’s community has evolved into a vital source of fresh produce and animal protein for families. Gardens yield fruit like bananas and papaya, a variety of green vegetables, poultry and catfish, aligning perfectly with the child feeding practices that Aaf promotes.

In addition to information on complementary feeding which should be started at six months, Aaf also learned about the nutritional needs of children under age two. It became clear to her that a significant part of her mission had to focus on educating mothers about the dangers of relying on packaged foods – often full of preservatives, sweeteners and empty calories – that are convenient but nutritionally inadequate.

Understanding that she was tackling a sensitive topic about personal habits, Aaf approached these conversations delicately.  “I introduced healthy food to mothers while chatting casually because it was impossible to convey formally,” she says.

“I understood why they gave packaged foods to their children. It’s simply because they want to be practical about feeding so it doesn’t become a hassle. I believed that what I was sharing would gradually be accepted.”

With patience and persistence, Aaf began to see a shift as more mothers in her community started embracing healthier eating habits for their children. 

In Central Java, Fatayat NU has over 135,000 members across 37 branches, who are dedicated to enhancing the welfare of women and children. This diverse membership is made up of health professionals and housewives, such as Aaf, who play a crucial role in the nutrition of their families.

“As a dedicated cadre and mother, I am committed to fostering healthier eating habits among the children in our community,” Aaf says. “I will actively promote this initiative through Posyandu and other community platforms, ensuring that our children grow up with the knowledge and resources they need for a healthy lifestyle."