Table 2.

Similarities and Differences in Themes Regarding Family Meals in Households With and Without an Overweight/Obese Child

Similarities between households with and without an overweight/obese child	% normal weight endorsing theme	% overweight/obese endorsing theme	Differences between households with and without an overweight/obese child	% normal weight endorsing theme	% overweight/obese endorsing theme
Research Question #1: Do parents report similar or different reasons for having family meals in households with and without a child who is overweight/obese?
• Have family meals in order to feed their children/family	31	39	• Family connection and communication	64	34
• Have family meals because it allows parents to feed their children/family more healthful foods	41	36	• Part of tradition	20	42
Research Question #2: Do parents report similar or different rules during mealtimes in households with and without an overweight/obese child?
• Have rules about manners	66	70	• No “clean your plate” rule	37	8
• Have “at least try it” rule	48	50	• “Clean your plate” rule	21	59
			• Allow electronic devices/screen time at family meals, had the TV on during family meals	31	56
Research Question #3: Do parents report similar of different child behaviors during family meals in households with and without an overweight/obese child?
• Report children not wanting to sit during family meals	41	57	• Child behavior problems during family meals	15	39
Research Question #4: Do parents report similar or different meal preparation behaviors in households with and without an overweight/obese child?
• Don't like meal planning	33	40	• Frustration with children not helping with cleanup	15	38
• Involve children in cooking and carrying out family meals	57	44

TV, television.