Background: There is value in having parents choose which behaviors to address in obesity interventions, but it is unknown whether they choose behaviors that will effectively impact healthy growth. This study assessed whether child behaviors or parent intention to change behaviors were associated with behaviors parents chose to discuss.
Methods: Parent intention to change specific behaviors and time spent discussing behaviors was coded during intervention sessions.
Results: Child activity, screen-time, energy intake, breakfast, and family meals were associated with time spent discussing these behaviors. Fewer associations were seen between parent intention and time spent discussing these behaviors.
Conclusions: Results suggest that in interventions allow choice, parents may choose to discuss the weight-related behaviors their children need to address.
Keywords: Behavioral interventions; health behavior; prevention.