Parental Influences on Childhood Obesity

Obesity is an epidemic that has dramatically risen in children across the United States. Obese children are at risk for numerous immediate and long-term health problems. Parents have a great influence over children's daily activities and meal times. Parents set rules for the amount of screen time allowed each day, how often healthy, home-cooked meals are eaten, how often the family eats together without media, and how often a child engages in physical activity. Through a literature review, I adapted a published survey of parental influences on childhood obesity to assess the educational needs of parents at the UW Early Care and Education Center (ECEC). Twenty-two out of seventy parents, ages 18-55, completed the online survey, a 31% return. Results indicate things such as parents need education about avoiding using sweet treats as rewards for good behavior and about healthy amounts of physical activity for themselves and their children. I plan to survey parents with different backgrounds too compare results with this academically-oriented parental group.