The Effects of a Group Intervention Including a Parent Education Component on Mealtime Behaviors of Young Children

Abstract

Mealtime challenges commonly occur in young children with and without disabilities. Mealtime challenges can lead to adverse health outcomes and parental stress. The high occurrence of mealtime challenges calls for the need for interventions including a parent education component. This study investigated the effects of a group intervention with a parent education component on the mealtime behaviors of young children. Results suggest that a group intervention with a parent education and training component can improve mealtime behaviors in children and feeding practices in parents, as well as decrease parental stress. Implications for families and children are discussed and suggestions for future research are presented.