Maternal concerns and perceptions of elementary school-age children's weight status.

In order for school-based childhood obesity prevention and intervention programs to be successful, parents must accurately perceive their elementary school-age child's weight status. School nurses can be vital to these efforts through proper training and resources. Nurses can use the "School Nurse Childhood Obesity Toolkit" and motivational interviewing techniques to address parental concerns and perceptions prior to teaching behavior modification strategies to children/families.