Correlates of Food Patterns Between Preschool Children and their Mothers In Two Income Groups

Abstract

Forty‐four mothers of preschool children representing low and middle income groups were studied to determine the correlations between food patterns of their children and selected family variables namely: family income, mother's educa tion, and mother's eating patterns. The mothers completed a questionnaire con taining family inventory questions, food and nutrition practices, and frequency of food consumption by mother and child. Results reflect significant differences in the frequency of consumption of certain foods between the low and middle in come mothers and their children. Family income, mother's education, and mother's eating patterns were significantly correlated with their children's diet. Understanding the dietary patterns of low and middle income mothers and their influence on their children's diet is helpful to educators in making recommenda tions to upgrade the quality of diets of young children.