A qualitative study exploring the perception and role of grandmothers in the feeding of grandchildren aged 3~5 years

Objectives This qualitative study aims to explore the perception and role of grandmothers in the feeding of grandchildren aged 3-5 years. Methods The study included five grandmothers of grandchildren enrolled in two kindergarten in Gyeonggi-do. The study period was from June 2023 to August 2023, followed by individual interviews. Results The grandmothers stated that dietary care for their grandchildren was an integral part of supporting their growth and development. To fulfill their responsibility of dietary care of their grandchildren, grandmothers prepared homemade meals with fresh ingredients rather than store-bought food. Grandmothers limited fatty and sugary treats and always prepared fruits to make sure that the treats supplemented the nutrients lacking in the meals. Grandmothers guided grandchildren’s meal by encouragement, not coercion, and searched Internet and TV food programs to prepare food for their grandchildren. Their challenges with dietary care of grandchildren included grandchildren’s picky eating habits and following dietary rules set by their adult children for the grandchildren. Conclusions Future research may increase the sample size of grandparents by gender and geographic region to examine their beliefs, opinions, or practices about feeding for grandchildren. It would be worth conducting exploratory research by considering other environmental factors that may affect feeding of grandchildren.