Firm maternal parenting associated with decreased risk of excessive snacking in overweight children

Abstract

Objective To examine the relationship between parent feeding practices (restriction, monitoring, pressure to eat), general parenting behaviors (acceptance, psychological control, firm control), and aberrant child eating behaviors (emotional eating and excessive snacking) among overweight and normal weight children. Methods Overweight and normal weight children between 8 and 12 years old and their mothers (n=79 parent-child dyads) participated in this study. Mothers completed surveys on parent feeding practices (Child Feeding Questionnaire) and child eating behaviors (Family Eating and Activity Habits Questionnaire). Children reported on their mothers’ general parenting behaviors (Child Report of Parent Behavior Inventory). Parent and child height and weight were measured and demographic characteristics assessed. Logistic regression models, stratified by child weight status and adjusting for parent BMI, were used to determine which parenting dimensions and feeding practices were associated with child emotional eating and snacking behavior. Results Overweight children displayed significantly more emotional eating and excessive snacking behavior than normal weight children. Mothers of overweight children used more restrictive feeding practices and psychological control. Restrictive feeding practices were associated with emotional eating in the overweight group (OR = 1.26, 95% CI, 1.02, 1.56) and excessive snacking behavior in the normal weight group (OR = 1.13, 95% CI, 1.01, 1.26). When examining general parenting, firm control was associated with decreased odds of excessive snacking in the overweight group (OR=0.51, 95% CI, 0.28, 0.93). Conclusion Restrictive feeding practices were associated with aberrant child eating behaviors in both normal weight and overweight children. Firm general parenting however, was associated with decreased snacking behavior among overweight children. Longitudinal studies following children from infancy are needed to better understand the direction of these relationships.

Predicting dietary intake among children classified as overweight or at risk for overweight: Independent and interactive effects of parenting practices and styles

“…This is in contrast to several prior studies noting its maladaptive correlates (Faith et al, 2004; Fisher & Birch, 1999; Rhee et al, 2015; Rodgers et al, 2013). Restriction did , however, predict child SSB intake when authoritarianism was included in the model as a moderator.…”

“…Feeding practices are defined as “specific techniques or behaviors usually used to facilitate or limit ingestion of foods” (Blissett, 2011). Much attention has been given to two such practices, restriction and pressure to eat, both of which have been found to be counterproductive (Blissett, 2011; Rhee et al, 2015; Rodgers et al, 2013; Vereecken, Legiest, De Bourdeaudhuij, & Maes, 2009; Wardle, Carnell, & Cooke, 2005). For example, experimental research has demonstrated that restricting access to palatable foods results in children’s increased interest in and intake of such food (Fisher & Birch, 1999).…”

Promoting Cardiovascular Health in Early Childhood and Transitions in Childhood through Adolescence: A Workshop Report

“…Research is needed on parenting behaviors that shape child development through multiple mechanisms, including parent-child attachment relationships to develop trust, executive function skills (eg, paying attention, maintaining focus, planning), 69,70 and emotional regulation (eg, calming down when upset). 71 Parental behaviors also shape earlyemerging child health behaviors, including sleep habits, both duration and timing 72 ; engagement in physical and sedentary activity 73 ; media use 74,75 ; and eating behaviors 76,77 (eg, consumption of fruits and vegetables or sugar-sweetened beverages). 78,79 Little is known about the impact of sleep and sleep disorders on central cardiovascular control.…”

Snack Food, Satiety, and Weight

“…On the social and cultural level, factors such as modeling behaviors from the family and social norms are related to snacking behavior. Rhee et al (18), for example, found that restrictive feeding practices by parents were related to decreased snack consumption among children (18), whereas Robinson et al (19) observed that messages that emphasize that the social norm is to limit junk food significantly reduced the intake of high-calorie snacks (19). In addition, organizational factors and the physical environment also affect snacking behaviors (13).…”