Parent–child mealtime interactions in racially/ethnically diverse families with preschool-age children

•We observed parent–child behaviors during mealtimes among multi-ethnic families.•A global coding scheme was used to assess parent–child mealtime interactions.•This pilot study found racial/ethnic differences in parent–child interactions during family dinner time.

Family meals may improve diet and weight outcomes in children; however, results from nationally representative samples suggest that these relationships vary by race/ethnicity. Observing parent–child mealtime interactions may lend insight to why racial/ethnic differences exist. In this pilot study, a multi-ethnic sample of low-income families (n = 30) with a preschool-age child was videotaped during a dinner in their home. A global coding scheme was used to assess the following: ‘Action’ (behaviors that divert attention from eating), ‘Behavior Control’ (behaviors intended to modify another person’s behavior), and ‘Communication’ (i.e., meal-oriented, interpersonal, and critical). All families spent a significant amount of time in ‘action’ oriented behaviors that diverted their attention from eating. We also observed racial/ethnic differences in communication (i.e. critical) and behavior patterns (i.e. behavior control). This study demonstrated that this approach for observing parent–child mealtime interactions in a naturalistic setting among a diverse study sample was feasible; however, future studies should address how these patterns relate to dietary intake and weight status.