Supporting Positive Parenting and Promoting Healthy Living through Family Cooking Classes

Mette Kirstine Tørslev, Dicte Bjarup Thøgersen, Ane Høstgaard Bonde, Paul Bloch and Annemarie Varming
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Mette Kirstine Tørslev: Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Niels Steensens Vej 6, 2820 Gentofte, Denmark
Dicte Bjarup Thøgersen: Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Niels Steensens Vej 6, 2820 Gentofte, Denmark
Ane Høstgaard Bonde: AB Health Promotion & Evaluation, Havdrupvej 13, 2700 Broenshoej, Denmark
Paul Bloch: Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Niels Steensens Vej 6, 2820 Gentofte, Denmark
Annemarie Varming: Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Niels Steensens Vej 6, 2820 Gentofte, Denmark

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 9, 1-18

Abstract: Background: The family is an important setting in the promotion of child health. The parent–child relationship affects the social and health development of children, and children’s healthy behaviors are associated with positive parenting strategies. The parent–child relationship is bi-directional and the connection between parenting and child health is complex. However, few parenting interventions work with parents and children together, and more knowledge is needed on how to develop and implement interventions promoting healthy parent–child relationships. Focusing on a family cooking class program, this study addresses how community initiatives engaging parents and children together can contribute to integrating parenting support with local health promotion. Methods: Participant-driven photo-elicited interviews (nine families), focus group evaluations (nine parents/14 children) and observations during cooking classes (10 classes) were applied to analyze the tools and mechanisms that can support positive parenting. Results: The study found that visual, practical and sensory learning techniques, applied in a context-sensitive learning environment that ensured guidance, safety and a friendly social atmosphere, contributed to positive parent–child interaction and bonding. Conclusion: The cooking program facilitated parenting practices that support child involvement and autonomy. Thus, the program constituted an effective intervention to strengthen parent–child relationships and positive parenting.

Keywords: family; cooking classes; parenting style; parenting practices; participatory methods; photo elicitation; community action research; health promotion; children’s health; supersetting (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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