The University of Guelph has designed a program for parents and young children that may lead to healthy behaviours as they develop.
The Parents and Tots Together program brought parents and young children together over nine-weeks. They gathered at a weekly dinner and then parents discussed topics with community workers and dietitians while their children participated in educational programming.
The pilot study found that parents in the program were less stressed and had a better management of the behaviour of their child.
There was also a minimal impact on children’s body mass index ( BMI) .
U of G researchers developed the program to determine the “feasibility of a large-scale intervention”, as was stated in a press release from the university.
As part of the program parents tried to change the behaviour of their children, adding in more sleep and physical activity to their daily routine. Feeding practices were also modified.
They also reduced screen time and sugary drinks.
In the release, Family Relations and Applied Nutrition professor Jess Haines said that changing children’s lifestyle habits has it benefits.
“This age is when behaviour patterns are being formed in children; we know that kids that are overweight by the age of six will generally be overweight as teens and young adults,” she said.
“Parents are often more open to making changes when their kids are younger. In many ways, they’re looking for solutions to complex issues and wanting to discuss issues they’re facing. As children get older, it’s harder to implement changes.”
The study then focused on BMI only , but according to PhD student Kathryn Walton said worries about the children’s weight were a low priority for most parents taking part in the program.
“The primary draw for most people was about general parenting, specifically discipline and limit-setting,” said Walton.
Researchers are now considering modifying the program for it to fit into the workplace.
