Mothers of Turkish descent in the Netherlands benefit a lot from the support of grandmothers. Of course, this also affects the eating and behavioral habits of grandchildren, which can go against the mother’s parenting practices. Research by the Food4Smiles project among Turkish families mainly shows that grandmothers promote a slightly unhealthier lifestyle. This is reported by Vakblad Early.
A child’s first 1,000 days are crucial for a good start. The health of a child before, during and after birth appears to be an important predictor of physical and mental problems later in life. In the lives of many families of Turkish origin, grandparents play an important supporting role, with which they also influence the development and health of their grandchildren. New research shows that involved grandmothers also clarify conflicting views about parenting between mothers and grandmothers.
Discuss views
Ideas about what healthy eating is, for example, can differ, which can cause tensions among mothers. For example, the research states that being chubby in Turkish families is a sign of love. That is why grandmothers like to spoil their children with tasty and lots of food. And that is sometimes difficult for mothers, especially because they find it difficult to discuss those differences in attitudes about food. They fear that openness about the subject will lead to a family conflict.
Interventions
Researchers argue that it is important to target policies and interventions around the first 1,000 days not only on parents but also on grandmothers. It is important to consider the socio-cultural factors, so that appropriate advice and support can be rolled out that does not deviate too far from their habits and beliefs.
By: National Care Guide / Johanne Levinsky