Evaluation of the effect of parents' feeding style on eating behavior of children

This study was conducted to assess eating behaviors in preschool children, parental feeding styles, eating behaviors of children, some anthropometrical measurements, energy and nutrient intake. Two hundred and twenty children and their parents aged between 3-5 years attending various kindergartens and nurseries attended to the study in Ankara. A questionnaire was applied to the parents about the general characteristics of the family and the children and anthropometrical measurements were taken from the children. Parental feeding practices were determined by the "Parental Feeding Style Questionnaire" and the children's eating behaviors were determined by the "Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire". In addition, 24-hour retrospective food consumption records of the children were taken from the parents and the daily energy and nutrient intake values of the children were evaluated with the BeBİS 8.0 program. At the end of the study, parents' relationship with "emotional feeding" and "food responsiveness" and "desire to drink", which are thought to cause obesity in children, were found to be associated with the child's emotional feeding. The relationship was found between "parental control over eating" and "satiety responsiveness" eating behavior, which is thought to cause undernourishment of the child. In addition, children with "emotional overeating" behaviors were found to have higher energy and carbohydrate intake. There was no relationship between parental feeding practices and children's body mass index values. It is a topic discussed in recent years that eating behaviors acquired in childhood continue in adulthood and can lead to eating behavior disorders, especially obesity. Further study on this subject and clarification of the parents' eating behavior and possible effects on childhood obesity are thought to be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of obesity. Keywords: Preschool, Parental Feeding Style, Eating Behaviors