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Abstract
Childhood obesity has become an increasingly significant health and education problem in various countries, including Indonesia, influenced by unhealthy eating patterns, lifestyle changes, and low nutritional literacy within families. This article aims to examine the lack of balanced nutrition in obese early childhood from the perspective of family education as part of non-formal education. The research method used is a literature review by reviewing national and international literature related to nutrition, child growth and development, and the increasing trend of obesity. The results show that obesity has physical, cognitive, psychological, and social impacts that can hinder a child's holistic development. Parents play a crucial role in establishing healthy eating habits, monitoring food consumption, and fostering an active lifestyle. Improving nutritional literacy within families, synergizing with early childhood education institutions, and supporting public health policies are considered crucial to preventing the long-term risk of obesity. Therefore, family education about balanced nutrition is a crucial strategy in supporting optimal growth and development and creating a healthy and competitive generation of early childhood children.