Poor Parenting Linked to Childhood Obesity: Study

A new study says that childhood obesity is linked to poor parenting skills.

University of Illinois researchers found that parent's insecure attachment is one of the reasons for children's unhealthy consumption of junk food. The study involved 497 parents or primary caregivers of children between ages 2 and 3. The subjects were asked questions related to the nature of their relationship with the children and how they dealt with the children's negative emotions. They were also asked to rate themselves on a scale that measured depression and anxiety.

It was found that insecure parents were more likely to be distressed by their children's negative emotions when punished.  Children are unable to handle all the emotional turmoil and feelings and  turn to comfort eating of junk food, sugary drinks and salty treats.These eating and behavior patterns increase risks of obesity.

The study also points that children develop secure attachments when the parents are available and respond the children's distress and tantrums and teach them how to handle such emotions. Parental attachment makes children feel secure and comfortable and explore and participate in everyday activities. Poor parenting makes children anxious and insecure. Punishing a child or dismissing his  negative emotions leads to snacking for substitute comfort that results in childhood obesity.

Kelly Bost, professor of human development and family studies at the University of Illinois, says in a press statement, "Insecure moms are more easily overwhelmed with stress, find it more difficult to organize family mealtimes, and allow their children to watch more television as a coping strategy."

The research provides valuable tips to health professionals and parents to address children's obesity and deal with children's emotions, anger and boredom. It emphasizes the importance of healthy eating habits and mealtime routine.

 Bost added, "In fighting childhood obesity, one of the most important lessons we can teach children is to eat when they're hungry and recognize when they're full. We want to encourage children to respond to their internal cues and encourage parents not to promote eating under stress or eating to soothe."

The research is funded by Illinois Council for Agricultural Research and University of Illinois Health and wellness Institute.