Poll Reports

Mothers (46%) are more likely than fathers (33%) to say that nutrition information helps them decide which food or drink to buy “very often” or “always.” Sugars (total and added) topped the list of “very important” nutrients that parents consider. Mothers are more likely than fathers to say total sugar, added sugar, protein, and dietary fiber are “very important.”

Half of parents of middle- and high-school students report some concussion education. Watching a video or live presentation helps parents feel more confident about managing a concussion. Signing a waiver form, without additional concussion education, is rated by parents as not useful.

Adults rate childhood obesity at the top of the list of big health problems for kids in their communities and for kids across the US. Bullying is rated as the #2 health concern for kids across the country. School violence is rated as #5 health concern for kids across the country.

Most parents (81%) feel their baby’s healthcare provider is the best source of information about circumcision. The majority of parents (87%) say the best time to get information about circumcision is before the baby is born. Only 23% of parents say the provider should recommend what decision to make about circumcision.

Most children get sports physicals from their usual health care provider. Walk-in or urgent care clinics and schools are also common locations. 89% of parents agree that sports physicals are not a substitute for regular check-ups. Parents rate measuring blood pressure, discussing medical history, and testing vision as very important to include in sports physicals.

Failing grades are most commonly given for nutrition education and the amount of time schools allow for physical activity. Parents of overweight children are more likely to give failing grades to their children’s schools for efforts to address obesity.

26% of parents report that their children 2-5 years old have 3 or more hours of entertainment screen time a day. 53% of parents of young children limit the locations where their children can use media devices. 13% of parents report no limits on media device location or screen time limits for their young children.

Parents of nut-allergic children vary in their views of how schools should manage their child’s lunchtime. Most parents of children without nut allergies (58%) think schools should have nut-allergic children eat lunch in a designated area, such as a nut-free table. Less than 40% of parents support a school-wide ban on nut-containing products.

26% of all parents with a child age 0-3 report having attended a breastfeeding class. 40% of first-time parents attend breastfeeding classes. Only 12% of uninsured parents attend breastfeeding classes.

Parents vary widely in views about their responsibilities in getting specialty care for their children. Parents were most divided about who is responsible for choosing the specialist: 52% say primary care providers, 48% say parents. Parents see clinical expertise & training in pediatrics as most important characteristics of specialists & convenience of appointment less.