What are mothers to do? Exploring mothers' decisions about their toddler's eating, physical activity, and television viewing behaviors

The obesity epidemic affects even the youngest US population; 11% of children ages 2 to 5 years are overweight or obese. Because mothers play a key role in decisions around health-related behaviors, CDC and partners conducted qualitative research to explore mothers' beliefs and choices around food, physical activity, and TV viewing for their toddlers. The study included 18 two-hour, in-home interviews, observation sessions, and completion of food and activity journals. Trained interviewers collected data in two US cities with mothers recruited to represent a mix of family configuration, education level, race/ethnicities, and work status. All interviews were videotaped and transcribed. Content analysis was completed from field notes, transcripts and journal entries. Results revealed patterns suggesting that mothers tend to assume that their toddlers experience emotions similar to their own. For example, TV viewing was a way for their toddlers to relax after being at child care all day; TV viewing with mom was an opportunity for closeness. Not surprisingly, decisions about active play were influenced by availability of play space and the mother's activity level. Food choices varied depending on mother's ideas about the meaning of healthy foods, which included misconceptions resulting from advertisements; mother's confidence to prepare healthy foods and mother's emotional tolerance for children's resistance to foods. The study provided valuable insights into factors influencing mothers' decisions about their toddler's leisure-time activities and eating. Data can be used to inform future research and provide guidance in the development of interventions related to childhood obesity.