Parent-informed anticipatory guidance to promote family meals

Abstract

Objective.To learn what families report as common facilitating factors as well as barriers faced in having regular family meals (FMs). Methods.Crosssectional descriptive study involving administration of an 18-item survey to a Convenience sample of parents in waiting rooms of 8 Participating pediatric offices. Results.In all, 251 surveys were completed from 8 sites; 89% of respondents rated having FMs as important, and 88% reported the meals as enjoyable. However, 48% reported having FMs less often than desired. Nearly half were interested in learning how to have FMs more often (46%) or making mealtime more enjoyable (56%). The distribution of most frequently reported factors making FMs difficult to enjoy (schedules, food, and mood issues) differed from factors making it difficult to have FMs (predominantly schedules). The most frequently reported factor making mealtimes enjoyable was interaction. Conclusions.Our findings showed that most families are having FMs at least 3 times a week. However, many are not satisfied with the frequency or quality of the meal experience and are receptive to learning more about this. Our study highlights the value of offering simple interventions to help families improve the frequency and quality of mealtime experience. © 2014 The Author(s).