Cross-Sectional Associations between Mothers and Children’s Breakfast Routine—The Feel4Diabetes-Study

Abstract

Positive influences of family members have been associated with a high probability of children’s daily breakfast consumption. Therefore, the aim of this study was to scrutinize the association of breakfast routines between mothers and their children. The baseline data of the Feel4Diabetes-study was obtained in 9760 children (49.05% boys)–mother pairs in six European countries. A parental self-reported questionnaire gauging the frequency of breakfast consumption and of breakfast´ foods and beverages consumption was used. Agreement in routines of mothers and their children’s breakfast consumption was analyzed in sex-specific crosstabs. The relationship of breakfast routine and food groups’ consumption between mothers and their children was assessed with analysis of covariance. The highest proportion of children who always consumed breakfast were those whose mothers always consumed it. Children consuming breakfast regularly had a higher intake of milk or unsweetened dairy products and all kind of cereal products (low fiber and whole-grain) than occasional breakfast consumers (p < 0.05). The strong similarity between mothers and children suggests a transfer of breakfast routine from mothers to their children, as a high proportion of children who usually consume breakfast were from mothers also consuming breakfast. All breakfast foods and beverages consumption frequencies were similar between children and their mothers.

Parental Traits Associated with Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Children and Adolescents in Croatia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Previous studies consistently demonstrate that the home food environment and parental dietary habits are determinants of children's dietary intake [44,45]. Several cross-sectional studies reported a positive association between parental and children's intake of some of MD's beneficial compounds [46,47]. More precisely, recently published studies showed that fathers' fruit and vegetable intake was positively associated with children's intake of these foods [47] as well as that the highest percentage of children who always consumed breakfast were those whose mothers always consumed it [46].…”

“…Several cross-sectional studies reported a positive association between parental and children's intake of some of MD's beneficial compounds [46,47]. More precisely, recently published studies showed that fathers' fruit and vegetable intake was positively associated with children's intake of these foods [47] as well as that the highest percentage of children who always consumed breakfast were those whose mothers always consumed it [46]. Additionally, the previous research suggests that maternal consumption of healthy food (e.g., fruit, vegetables, dairy, and cereals,) and unhealthy foods (e.g., fats, snack foods, and oils) is associated with a child's higher intake of the same foods [48].…”