Parental Barriers and Challenges of Raising Plant-Based Children in North America

Seminary Room N235

Purpose: To identify the challenges parents face while raising plant-based (PB) children in North America. Design: Phenomenological qualitative study using semi-structured interviews established thematic barriers among PB parents. Setting: Parents raising children following a PB diet and residing in North America. Participants: 22 parents of PB children ages 0-17 participated in 19 ZOOM interviews. Phenomenon of interest: Challenges faced by parents raising their children PB. Analysis: Interviews analyzed with NVivo 12 using thematic analysis techniques. Results: Six parental perceived challenge themes identified: (1) extended family, (2) perceptions of others, (3) eating away from home, (4) access to convenience foods, (5) extra work and time, and (6) organic and specialty/convenience food prices. Although not perceived by most parents as challenges, (7) healthcare provider concern based in lack of education and (8) lack of resources provided were themes encountered while raising PB children. Conclusions and Implications: Provides understanding of parental experiences while raising PB children and highlights the challenges faced. Further studies needed to determine distinct barriers, interventions, support, and resources that would decrease challenges to raising PB children and ensure their health while supporting parents.