Parental involvement is an essential component of family interventions in order to prevent childhood obesity. SuperFIT is an intervention approach aiming to improve energy balance-related behaviours of young children (2-4 years). Intervention activities were developed to involve both home and childcare. For parents specifically, SuperFIT aimed to help the integration of healthy nutrition and physical activity into their daily life. Although the pilot study showed promising effects, sustainable impact at home had yet to be achieved. The present study tries to gain a better understanding of the parent’s point of view on family intervention activities to aid the further development of the family component (FC) of SuperFIT.

The original FC was evaluated by means of a mixed methods design. Results were used to develop new, alternative, family activities. One example of a new activity is the SuperFIT backpack, containing information, tips and activities to engage in a healthy lifestyle, which rotates between families. Childcare locations were asked to implement the new intervention activities. Semi-structured interviews or open-ended questionnaires with parents addressed usage, appreciation, facilitators and barriers of the new FC. Parents were also asked to reflect on changes in their behaviour at home (e.g., physical activity games that were played more often, recipes used). 

Preliminary data analyses indicated that receiving tangible materials (e.g., cards with hand-on activities) facilitated the implementation of physical activity or nutrition activities at home. Furthermore, integration of a stuffed toy in the backpack sparked enthusiasm among children. Still, the new FC seemed to result only in a temporary revival of awareness and implementation of activities. 

This study obtained a better understanding of the processes happening in the home setting, after receiving family intervention activities. The findings can guide future implementation and further development of the obesity prevention intervention approaches for young children.