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Influence of Family Feeding Practices and Parenting Skills 33
++ BEING RESPONSIVE −
BEING IN CHARGE AUTHORITATIVE AUTHORITARIAN
(firm but warm and accepting) (strict disciplinarian)
INDULGENT NEGLECTFUL
(permissive)
−
Figure 1.3.3 The model of parenting proposed by Mary Rudolf has
four styles relating to responsiveness and control
(Figure 1.3.3). Positive parenting is being are not in the child’s best interests. This will
responsive to children’s emotional and physical include giving children full control over what food
needs while being in charge and setting appropriate is to be served, thereby narrowing the range of
and clear boundaries. This is the authoritative style foods they eat. In addition giving in to demands
and parents using this style will buy a range of for frequent servings of sweet or high-fat foods
nutritious foods and encourage and prompt which will provide less nutrients and excess
children to eat them while making allowances for calories. These children will also be at risk of
their individual tastes and preferences. Children dental caries.
will be allowed to decide when they have had
enough to eat. A neglectful parenting style is where the parent
is neither in charge nor responsive to the child.
The authoritarian parenting style takes control There may be no routine of meals and planned
beyond any consideration of a child’s needs, feelings snacks and nutritious foods to maintain health and
or preferences. Parents may insist children eat growth may not be offered.
certain foods and may resort to coercing and force-
feeding. Children may be forced to finish all the food Positive and negative feeding practices are
on their plates even when they have indicated they described in Table 1.3.5.
have had enough. Certain foods that the parent
deems unsuitable may be denied altogether, making Using food and drinks as rewards,
them very desirable in the child’s mind. treats or for comfort
The indulgent parenting style is responsive to The most desirable reward for young children is
the child’s wishes and demands even when they their parents’ attention. However, sweet, energy-
dense, low-nutrient foods are often used as a
Table 1.3.5 Positive and negative feeding practices by parents and carers
Positive feeding practices Negative feeding practices
Praising when food is eaten
Taking away uneaten food without comment Coercion or coaxing children to eat healthy foods
Parents eating with children and eating the foods Coercion or coaxing children to eat more when they
they want the young children to eat indicate they have had enough
Pleasant interaction with young children during the
mealtime Offering alternatives or rewards to encourage more
Offering appropriate portion sizes food to be eaten
Encouraging children to finish up everything on their
plate
