Playing Before Eating

Playing Before Eating

From Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families by Dr Justin Coulson

April 19, 2026 · 11 min · Episode 1584

About this episode

This episode discusses the benefits of a 'play first, eat later' approach in schools and its impact on children's eating habits and behavior.

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)…

Topics covered

  • child behavior
  • school schedule
  • play first eat later
  • appetite regulation
  • parenting strategies

Keywords

  • uneaten lunch
  • school behavior
  • movement and learning
  • afternoon meltdowns

Mentioned in this episode

Products: ABC News article on 'play first, eat later' school model

Books & works: Playing Before Eating

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