Parenting Practices of Arab Mothers Related to Obesogenic Dietary Behaviors in Children Ages 6 – 10 Years Old

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate parenting practices of Arab mothers related to the development of healthy and unhealthy dietary behaviors in their children, and the challenges and successful strategies of these mothers to improve their children’s dietary behaviors. MethodsGuided by Social Cognitive Theory, five focus groups (n = 23) were conducted to collect data on parenting practices of these Arab mothers in the Dallas, Texas area related to dietary behaviors of their children. ResultsIn this exploratory qualitative study, mothers wanted their children to have a healthier diet (stop eating junk and fast foods, stop drinking sweetened beverages, limit consuming processed foods, eat fewer carbohydrates, and increase vegetable intake). Mothers also wanted better time management to achieve healthier meal preparation. However, struggles/challenges during meal preparation and mealtime reported by these mothers included: picky eaters, different child/family preferences, child age differences...