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

摘要

Objective The present study investigated parentsu27 understanding and approaches to providing energy-dense and nutrient-poor u27extra foodsu27 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 3-5 years. Results The three most common terms parents identified to describe foods that are not u27everyday foodsu27 were u27treatsu27, u27sometimes foodsu27 and u27junku27. Parentsu27 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. Parentsu27 decision-making processes regarding provision of u27extra foodsu27 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 u27extra foodsu27 can be frequent as long as children are eating a healthy balance of foods is factored into parentsu27 decision making. Challenging this belief may be important for reducing the consumption of u27extra foodsu27 by young children.