Food neophobia in children is associated with less consumption of fruit and vegetable (FV). Food neophobia (FN) in children can be influenced by parents and their parental feeding practices. The present study examines the relationship between FN and fruit and vegetable neophobia (FVN) among: (a) parents, (b) parents‐reports on child's behavior, and (c) child self‐reports. The effect of parental feeding practices on child's FN and FVN were also studied. Parents paired with their children (6–12 years) participated in this study. Parents reported their children more neophobic than children who self‐reported, and the association was significant (r = .62, p < .05). FVN were positively correlated with FN in both parents and children. Hispanic and parents without a college degree reported higher levels of restriction for weight control. More pressure to eat was applied for younger children (p < .05). Pressuring children to eat increased their levels of FN and FVN as reported by parents. Practical applications This study gives parents/guardians an insight on how their feeding strategies can influence the food consumption balance of their children. Parents can promote their children's eating habits toward consuming more fruit and vegetable by avoiding pressure while encouraging their children to have a more dietary variety.