Parents the biggest influence on children's eating habits

22 November 2004

Developing good eating habits in the first two years of a child's life is vital to their long-term health according to Dr Vickii Jenvey from Monash University.

Research by Dr Jenvey from the School of Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine showed parents and primary care givers were the most powerful influences on the health and nutrition of their children.

She said families were critical to the development of healthy eating behaviours and parents' practices would influence the food preferences and eating habits of their children in years to come.

Dr Jenvey said parents should avoid rewarding children with food for good behaviour and discourage using food for comfort.

"One of the biggest predictors for children taking up smoking is if their parents do -- I think the same can be said for the types of food children eat too. Parents play a strong and influential role for both diet and fitness, if they set a good example it is likely this will have a positive effect on their children."

Dr Jenvey said it was important for parents to provide a balanced diet for their children at an early age.

"Children who have a balanced diet perform better on cognitive tests so parents need to be relaxed and confident with nutrition and have knowledge of what foods contribute to healthy eating."

Dr Jenvey's study was funded by the Early Childhood Nutrition initiative, the Federal Department of Health and Ageing and Kindergarten Parents Victoria.

For further information contact Ms Ingrid Sanders in Media Communications on +61 3 9905 9201 or Dr Vickii Jenvey on +61 3 9905 3937.