An exploratory study of 2 parenting styles and family health behaviors.

Objective: To examine the relationships between 2 parenting styles and family nutrition and physical activity.

Methods: Parents of elementary/primary school children in the southeastern United States (N = 145) completed surveys regarding family relationships and health behaviors.

Results: Parents exhibiting a laissez-faire parenting style reported lower levels of family nutrition and physical activity. In addition, parent BMI moderated the relationship between laissez-faire parenting and these health behaviors.

Conclusions: This study indicates that family-oriented nutrition and physical activity programs may benefit from including a focus on decreasing laissez-faire parenting, as well as helping overweight parents reduce their BMIs.