Children with strict disciplinarian parents are much more likely to eat more and become fat by the age of 6… at least according to a new report from Boston University School of Medicine. The children of parents who are at the opposite end of the spectrum — “indulgent and without discipline” — are also more likely to be overweight (though not as much as the kids with very strict parents).
The good news? Parents who are “authoritative” — having high expectations for self control and who set clear boundaries, but are respectful of a child’s opinions — have a good chance of having kids who maintain a healthy weight.
If you’re worried about your childrens’ weight, it appears that it’s probably best to be flexible and understanding with your children, but to have clear rules and expectations for them.
Read more: Strict Parenting Linked to Overweight Kids
Why not use the word “nurturing”? There is too much confusion between “authoritative”, “authoritarian”, and disciplinarian”… as can be seen on the web following the AP article: “Study finds strict parenting can lead to overweight kids.” In that article, “flexible parenting style” is equated with “authoritative” — after reading that, I go, “Huh?”
I agree Mary, the psychological terminology used in that article is definitely a little confusing!