A Study on Parental Decisions and Meal Preparation Challenges Influencing Children’s Eating Habits

Abstract

The eating patterns of children are a complex interaction of the choice of their parents, the mode of preparing meals and their preferences especially when it comes to packed school lunches. Knowledge of these factors is crucial towards improving the nutritional value of lunches, as well as the actual consumption habits of the children. The current study was to investigate the influences on the quality of packed school lunch and children eating behaviour, parents influence and difficulty with preparation. The research design used was descriptive survey research and 100 pre-adolescent children aged between 9-12 years were used and sampled using a structured questionnaire that was administered, using an online platform. The measured aspects of parental involvement, nutrition awareness, information sources, and the impediments to making nutritious lunches. To maintain the clarity and reliability of the tool, a pilot study was carried out. The data was analysed with descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistics, such as the Spearman rank correlation and ANOVA one-way test. The result has revealed that there is a statistically significant but weak negative correlation between determinants of lunch decisions and the number of uneaten foods indicating that the number of uneaten foods can be reduced by planning and considering of all issues. Also, there were considerable differences in obstacles to packing healthy lunches in relation to the various criteria of study, and as a result, age and level of independence differences were identified. On balance, it is possible to note that the work highlights the necessity of making informed choices and setting context-related priorities in enhancing the quality of lunch and the eating behaviour of children, as well as the problem of food waste in schools.