In a study of 239 parents of first-grade children enrolled in rural public schools, the researchers found parenting styles could be determined by how their children are fed. Parents who placed restrictions and pressured their children to eat adopted an "authoritarian" child-raising style, while parents who displayed role modeling, monitoring and perceptions of responsibility were categorized as "authoritative." Low levels of role modeling led to "permissive" parenting styles.

The researchers conclude that, to be successful, dietary change or obesity programs for children implemented by food and nutrition professionals need to take into account complex approaches to behavioral change that include parenting styles and family dynamics. "Interventions that fail to address underlying parenting styles are not likely to be successful."-American Dietetic Association