Fewer jobs in this tight economy have
caused many families to work harder and sacrifice more to stay employed and
make ends meet. A recent study by Temple
University looks at the family unit—dads included.
Katherine Bauer was the lead author in the
study and she is currently an assistant professor of public health and
researcher at Temple's Center for Obesity Research and Education. This study is one of the first to assess work/family
conflict for both parents. It primarily
focuses on families of adolescents.
Mothers who are employed full-time had
fewer family meals, increases in fast food, and encouraged healthy eating
less. Mothers were also spending more
time on meal preparation than fathers.
This also contributes to the family unit having fewer meals together
when both parents are facing stress from work.
Science
Daily reported “Bauer noted that over time these differences can add
up to have a big impact on parents' and children's health. She's careful to
note, however, that the burden of this problem not fall solely on mothers, and
instead be approached holistically by the whole family, the community and
society.”
The
study encouraged spouses/partners and teenagers to help with grocery shopping,
meal preparation, and planning healthy meals.
"We need to teach kids how to cook," said Bauer. "We know if
kids have cooking skills and good eating habits, not only will they be
healthier, but as adults they'll put those skills to use to feed their own
children more healthfully."Please read the full-article here.
Temple University (2012, June 22). Parents' work-life stress hinders healthy eating.ScienceDaily. Retrieved June 27, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/06/120622162818.htm
Gina Lesako RD, LDN, registered dietitian, writer/blogger. Follow Gina on Twitter @glesako;
blog: Dietitians Eat Chocolate Too, or on the web: ginalesako.com.
