‘Treats’, ‘sometimes foods’, ‘junk’: a qualitative study exploring ‘extra foods’ with parents of young children

摘要

Abstract Objective The present study investigated parentsa€? understanding and approaches to providing energy-dense and nutrient-poor a€?extra foodsa€? to pre-school children and explored variation between parents of low and high socio-economic status in relation to these issues. Design We conducted thirteen focus groups. Data were subject to framework analysis. Setting Child-care centres in distinctly socially disadvantaged and socially advantaged areas. Subjects Eighty-eight parents of children aged 3a€“5 years. Results The three most common terms parents identified to describe foods that are not a€?everyday foodsa€? were a€?treatsa€?, a€?sometimes foodsa€? and a€?junka€?. Parentsa€? perceptions regarding what influences them in providing food to their children included seven sub-themes: (i) the influence of the child; (ii) food-related parenting practices; (iii) health considerations; (iv) food costs and convenience; (v) external factors perceived as influencing their child; (vi) factors related to child care; and (vii) social influences and occasions. Parentsa€? decision-making processes regarding provision of a€?extra foodsa€? related to moderation and balance. Parents generally expressed the position that as long as a child is eating healthy foods, then treats are appropriate; and for many parents, this might apply frequently. All groups described the health of their child as an influence, but parents in low socio-economic groups were more likely to describe immediate concerns (dental health, behaviour) in relation to avoiding sugar-dense food or drink. Conclusions The belief that provision of a€?extra foodsa€? can be frequent as long as children are eating a healthy balance of foods is factored into parentsa€? decision making. Challenging this belief may be important for reducing the consumption of a€?extra foodsa€? by young children.