Feeding strategies used by mothers of 3-5-year-old children

Abstract

Appropriate use of parental feeding strategies could help establish healthy childhood eating practices. Research suggests that repeated taste exposure and modelling may be effective, pressuring and restricting may be counterproductive, and rewards may be effective or counterproductive depending on their use. However, little is known about the extent to which parents employ these strategies and within what contexts. The present study explored this using qualitative interviews with twelve mothers of children aged 3-5 years. Common strategies involved modelling, attempts to influence the child's attitudes and norms, and use of moderate pressure. The results are discussed in relation to the literature.