How to create a healthy kindergarten – lessons learned from a participatory project in Germany

ISSUE/PROBLEM: Families play a central role in children's health. However, many health-promoting programs do not reach families who would need these the most. Through the involvement of families in the planning and implementation of health promotion activities, e.g. in kindergarten, acceptance and the adoption of health-promoting behavior can be increased in the family setting. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM: The central question was how to successfully involve families in the planning and implementation, especially those who are otherwise not reached by programs. In a three-year project, six kindergartens in Germany planned and implemented health-promoting actions with families and network partners. Each institution organized search conferences and formed project groups. A youth welfare agency trained and accompanied the kindergarten staff to coordinate the participatory processes. RESULTS: Participatory processes emerged in all institutions despite corona-specific challenges. However, the degree of involvement varied. Staff, families and network partners identified needs and implemented appropriate actions. These were somewhat similar to existing programs also in other countries, but the involvement of multiple parties produced different results because the participants tied in with their own interests and resources. LESSONS: All parents are keen to be involved in their children's health. However, in order to involve them, a suitable framework is needed that corresponds to their family life for example, through the appropriate choice of place, time and form. In addition to the resources available, the participatory culture of the institutions and the attitudes of the staff had a major impact on involvement. Training and support in participatory processes are necessary to develop dialogue and joint action and to involve families in a sustainable way. These findings are transferable internationally. KEY MESSAGES: • Family involvement in children's health promotion is essential to make a real contribution to their healthy development. • It is therefore essential to create low-threshold opportunities that take into account families’ living environments and lifestyles.