A Comparative Study of Parental Behaviors and Children's Eating Habits

Abstract

Childhood obesity poses a serious threat to the health of our nation. Specifically, the preschool years (3-5 years of age) have been identified as a crucial time to study the determinants of childhood nutrition and obesity. This study investigated the body mass index (BMI) of children ages 3 to 5 years, as well as parenting behaviors and parenting styles and how they possibly influenced children's eating habits and overall BMIs. Results indicated there was a significant difference between parenting styles and children's eating habits, with authoritative parents labeling their children's eating habits as either very good or good and permissive parents labeling their children's eating habits as fair. In addition, results indicated a significant difference between parents' educational levels and personal BMIs. As parents' educational level increased, their BMI levels decreased. © 2009, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved.