I met a couple of dads at the park this morning and one of them suggested I visit this website for help. Here goes…

I am a graduate student at Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, CA currently working on my master’s thesis. The working title is: Fathers feeding toddlers: An investigation of how dads feed their children. The overwhelming majority of existing research regarding how “parents” feed their children is based on responses from mothers. My goal is to begin to fill the void by describing how fathers feed their little ones. For clarification, the “how” I am interested in is not the “what” children are being fed but rather the context and dynamics of meal times and snacks. Also, “feeding”, as used here, relates to the overall process of kids eating, not actually putting food into a child’s mouth.

My interest in this topic comes about based on my experience as: a registered dietitian who has worked with hundreds of families with young children, a mother of a toddler, and the daughter of a father who stayed home to raise me.

I am looking for dads willing to participate in an interview (30 to 45 minutes) about their child-feeding practices. I also need to observe some father-child dyads during three mealtimes.
Inclusion criteria:
Fathers who:
1- have spent 6 months or more at home with their child(ren)
2- work less than 20 hours per week outside the home
3- define themselves as the primary caregiver of a child 18 to 36 months of age

It is preferable for interviews to be conducted in person, with the time and location at the convenience of the dad. I am able to travel from San Diego to Santa Barbara. However, telephone interviews are possible. Participants’ (and their childrens’) identities and responses will be kept confidential. This project has met the requirements for Pacific Oaks College’s “Protection of Human Participants” policy.

A written summary of the results will be provided to all participants and if there is enough interest I would be willing to entertain the idea of presenting my findings at the at-home-dad convention in November.

In appreciation for participation, you will be entered into a drawing for a book on child feeding. Also, the hope is that this study will contribute to a better understanding of feeding practices used by fathers that could possibly influence nutrition education and policy.

If you think you might be willing to participate or have questions about my study please contact me at 323-276-9755 or bkokorowski@yahoo.com
Also, feel free to pass my contact information along to other dads who might be interested.

Thank you for your time and consideration.
Bobbie Kokorowski, RD, CLE