title: The importance of mealtime structure for reducing child food fussiness.
abstract: The aim of this study was to explore how the structure of mealtimes within the family setting is related to children's fussy eating behaviours. Seventy-five mothers of children aged between 2 and 4 years were observed during a typical mealtime at home. The mealtimes were coded to rate mealtime structure and environment as well as the child's eating behaviours (food refusal, difficulty to feed, eating speed, positive and negative vocalisations). Mealtime structure emerged as an important factor which significantly distinguished children with higher compared with lower levels of food fussiness. Children whose mothers ate with their child and ate the same food as their child were observed to refuse fewer foods and were easier to feed compared with children whose mothers did not. During mealtimes where no distractors were used (e.g. no TV, magazines or toys), or where children were allowed some input into food choice and portioning, children were also observed to demonstrate fewer fussy eating behaviours. Findings of this study suggest that it may be important for parents to strike a balance between structured mealtimes, where the family eats together and distractions are minimal, alongside allowing children some autonomy in terms of food choice and intake.
authors.affiliation: School of Health and Social Sciences, University of Bedfordshire, UK.
authors.forename: Faye
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Powell
authors.affiliation: School of Life and Health and Sciences, Aston University, UK.
authors.forename: Claire
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Farrow
authors.affiliation: Institute for Digital Healthcare, The University of Warwick, UK.|Human Metabolism Research Unit, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, UK.
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Meyer
authors.affiliation: School of Sport Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, UK.
authors.forename: Emma
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Haycraft
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002668:Child Rearing; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002755:Choice Behavior; D004032:Diet; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D019959:Feeding and Eating Disorders of Childhood / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005518:Food Preferences / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D062407:Meals / Q000523:psychology*; D009035:Mothers; D064787:Portion Size; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
keywords: children; eating behaviour; family; food fussiness; mealtimes; modelling