Maternal beliefs and parenting practices regarding their preschool child's television viewing: An exploration in a sample of low-income mexican-origin mothers

Darcy A. Thompson, Sarah Polk, Charissa S.L. Cheah, Elizabeth A. Vandewater, Susan L. Johnson, Marilyn Camacho Chrismer, Jeanne M. Tschann

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective. To explore maternal beliefs about television (TV) viewing and related parenting practices in low-income Mexican-origin mothers of preschoolers. Methods. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 21 low-income Mexican-origin mothers of preschoolers. Interviews were audio recorded and analyzed using a theoretically based thematic analytic approach. Results. Mothers described strong beliefs about the positive and negative impact of TV content. Mothers emphasized the educational value of specific programming. Content restrictions were common. Time restrictions were not clearly defined; however, many mothers preferred short versus long episodes of viewing. Mothers spoke positively about family viewing and the role of TV viewing in enabling mothers to accomplish household tasks. Discussion. These findings have implications for intervening in this population. Interventionists should consider the value mothers place on the educational role of TV viewing, the direct benefit to mothers of viewing time, the lack of clear time limits, and the common practice of family co-viewing.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)862-870
Number of pages9
JournalClinical pediatrics
Volume54
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2015

Keywords

  • Beliefs about TV viewing
  • Latino
  • Obesity
  • Parenting practices regarding television viewing
  • Preschool
  • Television viewing

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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