Redefining Roles—Fathers Play a Crucial Role in Shaping Children’s Healthy Eating Behaviors: Cross-Sectional Observational Study

By:
Nicholas Beng Hui Ng, Jamie Qiao Xin Ng, Liang Shen, Shefaly Shorey
Date:
2025
Resource type:
Peer review
Link:

This Singapore-based cross-sectional study involving 114 fathers found that paternal feeding practices play a significant role in shaping children’s eating behaviors. In young children, healthy food availability was linked to food approach behaviors, while pressuring and controlling feeding practices increased food avoidance. In school-aged children, using food as a reward and for emotional regulation were associated with both approach and avoidant behaviors. Among adolescents, monitoring and socioeconomic factors influenced dietary habits. The study recommends father-inclusive nutrition education and interventions to build healthier food environments at home.

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