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Barbara FiesePhD, Professor, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Distracted Dining: The Dangers of Eating in Front of Screens
- Distracted Parents, Unhealthy Children
- The Impact of Background Noise
- Factors Influencing Family Mealtime
- The Role of Family Environment
- Conclusion
Distracted Dining: The Dangers of Eating in Front of Screens
Abstract"Distracted dining," or eating while engaged with a television, social media, or other distraction, can lead to overeating, obesity, and impaired parenting, potentially contributing to developmental delays in children.
Distracted Parents, Unhealthy Children
A study by researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that parents who were distracted while eating consumed more cookies and sugary drinks than those who were not. More concerningly, they had less positive interactions with their children and were less attentive to their needs. Children in such families are at an increased risk for developing obesity and unhealthy eating habits.
The Impact of Background Noise
The study involved 60 families who were recorded eating together. Half of the families were subjected to loud vacuum cleaner noises for 15 minutes during their meal, while the other half experienced no distractions. The researchers observed that the distracting noise had a more significant impact on parents than children.
Factors Influencing Family Mealtime
Dr. Barbara Fiese, the lead researcher, highlighted the importance of focused attention during family meals. When parents are distracted, they are less likely to notice how their children are eating or to engage them in positive conversations. This can lead to children not developing healthy eating habits, such as stopping when they are full.
The Role of Family Environment
The study emphasized the crucial role of parents in establishing healthy family eating habits. Distracted parents may fail to model appropriate eating behaviors or provide emotional support to their children. In families with chaotic or unstructured environments, children are at a higher risk of becoming overweight or obese.
Conclusion
The research published in the journal "Couple and Family Psychology" suggests that simply encouraging families to eat together is not sufficient to promote healthier outcomes. Attention must also be paid to reducing distractions and creating a structured and supportive family mealtime environment. By addressing these factors, families can promote healthier eating habits and foster positive parent-child interactions.
