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This study examines how fathers negotiate the role of feeding with other family members, and how this both impacts and is shaped by the structure of mealtimes. Six separate focus groups. South East Queensland, Australia. Fathers (N = 27) of children aged ≤12 years employed in blue-collar occupations or service industries. Fathers' perceptions of their role in family feeding. Grounded theory. Two major themes were identified: (1) mealtime structure , reflecting various arrangements and management procedures that give ultimate shape to mealtimes; and (2) division of labor , reflecting the work required to bring about such arrangements and how this work is allocated. These themes were interrelated and harmonized to create family mealtimes. Fathers felt that labor was assigned pragmatically; designated roles around feeding within the family facilitated structured mealtimes. Fathers' roles in balancing the labor and structured mealtimes to feed the family require further research attention, particularly across different family structures, to enhance their engagement in and contribution to the family meal environment. Offering cooking programs and meal planning education to fathers may support them in their different roles and enhance efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Explore the nature and dimensions of restrictive feeding with mothers of 6-year-olds. Semistructured interviews with mothers. Conversations were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Brisbane and Adelaide, Australia. Twenty-nine mothers of 6-year-olds. Mothers' restrictive feeding practices. Qualitative thematic analysis. This study revealed 6 key themes relating to the restrictive feeding phenomenon: restriction of specific foods and drinks; restrictive feeding practices; mothers' motivation; mothers' preferences for restricted foods; patterns over time; and relationships with other controlling feeding practices. Parents' restrictive feeding practices are likely to be inherently inconsistent, with mothers reportedly varying their practices across different restricted foods, contexts, day to day, and as children age. Mothers intended to either totally restrict or restrict a food/drink in moderation, and these intentions presented qualitatively distinct characteristics across themes. Mothers commonly referred to foods/drinks restricted in moderation as treats, and their liking for these restricted foods/drinks was related to higher child access. This study provides insights into the nature and dimensions of restrictive feeding. Further research is proposed to clarify these findings and examine the effects of child access, types of restrictive feeding practices, and parent communication on child preferences for restricted foods and drinks across a range of cultural groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To identify associations between structure-related and non-responsive feeding practices and children's eating behaviors. Design Cross-sectional online survey design. Participants Parents (n = 413) of 1- to 10-year-old children. Main Outcome Measures Parental feeding practices and child eating behaviors were measured via the validated Feeding Practices and Structure and Children's Eating Behaviour questionnaires. Analysis Associations between parental feeding practices and children's eating behaviors were tested using hierarchical multivariable linear regression models, adjusted for covariates. Results Feeding practices accounted for 28% and 21% of the variance in food fussiness and enjoyment of food, respectively ( P < .001). For all other eating behaviors the amount of variance explained by feeding practices was < 10% ( P < .001). Key findings were that more structure and less non-responsive practices were associated with lower food fussiness and higher enjoyment of food. Conclusions and Implications Overall, the findings suggested that mealtime structure and responsive feeding are associated with more desirable eating behaviors. Contrary to predictions, there was no evidence to indicate that these practices are associated with better self-regulation of energy intake. Longitudinal research and intervention studies are needed to confirm the importance of these feeding practices for children's eating behaviors and weight outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the sources and timing of advice formula feeding parents receive and how this and other factors influence the choice of formula product and formula preparation. Components of a cross-sectional survey. A child and family health service in New South Wales, Australia. Parents (n = 153) who were fully or partially formula feeding infants aged 0–6 months and who visited the service's facilities or its social media site. Type of formula, preparation of formula, and use and sources of formula feeding advice. Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U or Pearson's chi-square tests, and inductive content analysis. The most common source of formula feeding advice was the formula tin/packet (96.6%). Although 79.2% received advice from a health professional, only 18.9% reported receiving this advice before using formula. Approximately half (48.0%) of the parents chose a standard cow's milk-based formula. The most common reason for their choice of formula type/brand was a personal recommendation (53.0%). Parents' responses indicated that nearly half (46.3%) incorrectly prepared the formula. Although health professional advice was widely received, this was rarely before starting formula. Despite the current national infant feeding regulations, parents who were not exclusively breastfeeding their infants did not always receive timely, health professional advice about formula feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]