Background: Children are an important source of influence in the decision-making of families regarding their dietary and physical activity patterns. Consequently, their influence may be key to fostering healthy eating and exercise patterns, particularly in Hispanic families. This pilot study was conducted to examine children’s influence on family dietary and physical activity behaviors as perceived by parents/caretakers of at least one 10-14 year old child and how children’s influence differed between ethnic groups.

Methods: Respondents were approached in the waiting room of a low-income health clinic in Guilford County, NC, and invited to complete a brief survey regarding their family’s dietary and physical activity patterns (9 items plus ethnicity identification). Surveys were provided in English or Spanish.

Results: The majority of the 135 participants (53% Hispanic) reported their child had strong influence regarding purchasing foods at the supermarket, preparing family dinners, participating in family weekend activities, increasing fruit and vegetable intake and exercise, and attending family fitness or nutrition classes. Family exercise and television watching were less influenced by children. Differences among ethnic groups also were found.

Conclusions: Results indicate that parents perceive their children to be influential over their family’s dietary and physical activity behaviors, which could be useful for developing strategies targeting childhood obesity in low-income families.

influence, family, dietary behaviors, physical activity.