Treats are a tool of the trade: an exploration of food treats among grandparents who provide informal childcare

Abstract

Objective:Globally, grandparents are the main informal childcare providers with one-quarter of children aged ≤5 years regularly cared for by grandparents in Australia, the UK and USA. Research is conflicting; many studies claim grandparents provide excessive amounts of discretionary foods (e.g. high in fat/sugar/sodium) while others suggest grandparents can positively influence children’s diet behaviours. The present study aimed to explore the meaning and role of food treats among grandparents who provide regular informal care of young grandchildren.Design:Qualitative methodology utilising a grounded theory approach. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and focus groups, then thematically analysed.Setting:Participants were recruited through libraries, churches and playgroups in South Australia.Participants:Grandparents (n 12) caring for grandchild/ren aged 1–5 years for 10 h/week or more.Results:Three themes emerged: (i) the functional role of treats (e.g. to reward good behaviour); (ii) grandparent role, responsibility and identity (e.g. the belief that grandparent and parent roles differ); and (iii) the rules regarding food treats (e.g. negotiating differences between own and parental rules). Grandparents favoured core-food over discretionary-food treats. They considered the risks (e.g. dental caries) and rewards (e.g. pleasure) of food treats and balanced their wishes with those of their grandchildren and parents.Conclusions:Food treats play an important role in the grandparent–grandchild relationship and are used judiciously by grandparents to differentiate their identity and relationship from parents and other family members. This research offers an alternative narrative to the dominant discourse regarding grandparents spoiling grandchildren with excessive amounts of discretionary foods.

Grandparental dietary provision, feeding practices and feeding styles when caring for preschool‐aged grandchildren: A systematic mixed methods review

“…Eight of the studies were conducted in North America: in the United States 39–42,47,49,54 and Canada 46 . Six of the studies were in Asia: in China, 43,53 Japan 55,57,58 and the Asian part of Turkey; 56 three were conducted in Europe: in the United Kingdom 50,52 and Norway 45 and three studies were conducted in Australia 44,48,51 …”

“…In total, nine studies (quantitative n = 3, 55,57,58 qualitative = n = 6 39,42,43,45,50,51 ) referred to the frequency of which grandparents served meals or snacks to their grandchildren when in their care. Two studies in Japan reported that three‐generational households (where grandparents live with their grandchildren) were associated with unfixed 55 or irregular snack intake in children 57 but also regular meal times 55 .…”

“…In another study, in the United States, Latina mothers complained that their parents were frequently serving their children junk food before meals 42 . However, Australian grandparents described how they ensured their grandchildren did not eat too close to a meal so as to not spoil their appetite, or if their grandchildren were really hungry they would only provide a healthy option like fruit 51 …”

Can be Grandmother as Child’s Daytime Caregiver a Risk Factor for Higher Caries Experience in Early Childhood? A Retrospective Study

“…Negative reports about grandparental feeding practices, however, are mainly from parental perceptions. On the other hand, a recent study [19] showed that grandparents favored core-food over discretionary-food treats.…”

“…They considered the risks (e.g., dental caries) and rewards (e.g., pleasure) of food treats and balanced their wishes with those of their grandchildren and parents [19].…”