Podcasts · Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
Playing Before Eating
· 11 min · Episode 1584
Episode Playing Before Eating
Could it be that your child’s uneaten lunch isn’t the problem… the schedule is?
A simple shift happening in Aussie schools is transforming behaviour, boosting learning, and - finally - getting kids to actually eat their food.
This episode unpacks the “play first, eat later” approach - and why it works far better than anything you can pack in a lunchbox.
If your child comes home hangry, exhausted, or with a full lunchbox… this might be the missing piece.
KEY POINTS
• Why kids skip lunch (and it’s not about the food) • The “play first” model changing school behaviour and focus • How movement drives appetite, regulation, and learning • The hidden link between uneaten lunches and afternoon meltdowns • Why the last 10 minutes of playtime often trigger the biggest issues • A simple school-level change with measurable results
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
“Calories change kids. Food isn’t just fuel - it’s behaviour, focus, and emotional regulation.”
RESOURCES MENTIONED
• ABC News article on “play first, eat later” school model • Conversations with teachers and school communities • School P&C (Parents & Citizens) groups as a starting point for change
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
• Start the conversation with your school or P&C about “play first” • Focus less on perfect lunches and more on eating opportunity • Talk with your child about when they feel hungry during the day • Advocate for structural changes - not just lunchbox fixes • Watch for after-school behaviour as a clue to under-fuelling
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Links in the notes 1
Transcript
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