Messages to Parents of Middle-School Children: Choosing Effective Strategies to Support Healthy Food and Drink Choices

Abstract

To develop effective electronic messages for parents to encourage changes that will support middle school children’s healthy food and drink choices at home and school. Food and nutrition messages addressing parenting skills and core nutrition practices (fruit, vegetable, low-fat dairy, sweetened beverage intake) were developed following formative focus groups (n=7) with mixed income parents (n=46) of middle school students in urban and rural settings. Complementary parenting strategies for use in the home were also developed. Researchers conducted additional interviews (n=17) to rank messages in order of preference and relevance, and to select strategies based on feasibility. Message ranking and strategy selections were analyzed for frequency, and field notes and transcripts were reviewed to understand parent choices and edit content based on participant suggestions. Top vegetable and fruit messages promoted variety and recognized the importance of role modeling – themes also evident in popular strategies. Top drink messages and strategies highlighted water as a preferred beverage. Also popular was pairing healthful eating and supportive parenting efforts, for example messages promoting family meals and healthy food in the home. Parents selected strategies that engaged children in food selection and preparation and that incorporated healthful foods at snack- and meal times. Parents preferred simple, direct messages and strategies that reinforced and supported parenting roles. Data help fill an important gap in the literature and will be used in an upcoming pilot; parents of middle-school students will receive electronic messages and select strategies to try with their families.