Parenting Styles and Childhood Obesity

Four parenting styles have been identified and are related to two variables: the level of the parents’ expectations and the level of supports given to the child.

The Authoritative/ Active parenting style is recommended by psychologists and child development experts providing the high support needed to help children reach the high expectations set for them. Children of authoritative parents are the happiest and most capable when compared to other parenting styles. Their parents provide clear limits and expectations with fair and consistent discipline. Their parents are flexible and willing to adjust their responses based on the circumstances. They listen to their children and encourage their children to discuss options and express their opinions which fosters independence and reasoning skills. The children also have better emotional control & self-regulation. Since they are self-confident about their ability to learn new things they have higher levels of academic performance.

                                                                                                  

Keep in mind, a person’s parenting style is not a fixed point on the graph but general area around which parents tend to hover. Additionally, parental resilience and the supports and resources parents have plays into this dynamic. This is why self-care, strong social connections and knowing where to find resources are such important factors in strengthening families.

Multiple studies have shown that parenting styles “on their own” are related health and weight outcomes for children. Additionally, our feeding styles tend to reflect our parenting styles.

The restriction and pressure to eat used in the authoritarian feeding style diminishes the child’s natural hunger and full cues. They will often eat more restricted food when they have access and overall have lower positive feelings about food and eating. Permissive feeding leads to trouble self-regulating intake and often creates an association between food and love. Uninvolved feeding leads to overeating when food is available. As a result, these feeding styles result in higher weights compared to families where feeding roles are divided.

The goal in feeding is to raise competent eaters. A competent eater has positive feelings around eating, eating food they enjoy and eating enough to feel satisfied. Ellyn Satter is an RD and Family therapist and is considered an expert on child feeding. Her division of feeding roles are the gold standard used by RDs and child development experts as they help grow competent eaters.

For more information on feeding visit:
Ellyn Satter Institute
And for more information on parenting styles:
Parenting Science