Adolescent Medicine & Child Psychology

Biography

Biography: Cecilia O Odejobi

Abstract

Parenting styles have been established as predictors of social and moral behaviors in children but the extent to which this could influence the feeding habit of children has not been thoroughly examined. The few studies carried out on this issue examined the specific behaviors of European-American parents but nothing has been done on children feeding habits and parenting styles of African parents, especially the Yoruba’s. This needs to be examined as children\'s feeding is becoming an issue of concern in terms of obesity, low weight, choosy or picky and the like. To carry out the study four objectives were raised as follows: To examine the parenting styles among Yoruba mothers, assess child feeding practices with Yoruba mothers, determine the relationship between parenting styles and feeding practices of Yoruba mothers and examine the influence of parental factors on parenting styles and child feeding habits. Two hundred and fifty (250) Yoruba mothers were purposively selected based on ethnicity and possession of children in care centers. So also, fifty (50) caregivers of the parents\' children participated in the study. Two instruments were used namely: Parent-Child Feeding Styles (PCFS) that measured parents\' pattern and manner of feeding their children. Also, Caregivers\' Child Feeding Reports (CCFR) used to gather information about children\'s feeding habits. Data were analyzed using percentage, chi-square and Pearson Moment Correlation. The findings were presented and recommendations were made.