Parental Behaviours and Their Influence on Healthy Eating Patterns in children aged 5-12 years of age related to the consumption of high-sugar foods: A Systematic Review of the literature.
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Date
2025
Authors
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Publisher
Saudi Digital Library
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Excessive sugar intake in children aged 5–12 years is a key driver of obesity and
related diseases. While parental influence is critical during this stage, evidence on
sugar-specific parenting strategies is fragmented. This review synthesises current
research to clarify behavioural impacts and inform targeted interventions.
Methods
A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed,
Web of Science, and Scopus were searched (2015–2025) using a PEO-based
strategy. Peer-reviewed studies examining parental behaviours influencing high-
sugar food intake in children aged 5–12 years were included. Screening and
selection were managed in Covidence, and methodological quality was assessed
with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Data were extracted on study
design, parental practices, dietary outcomes, and contextual moderators. Due to
heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis was performed, with thematic mapping to
identify modifiable behaviours and socio-cultural influences.
Findings
Of 420 records screened, 10 studies met inclusion criteria, encompassing 7,004
participants. Child gender distribution was balanced, with average ages ranging from
5.5 to 10.4 years. Most samples were recruited through school- or community-based
panels. Five dominant themes emerged: restrictive feeding practices, parental
education and socioeconomic status, screen-time regulation, front-of-pack labelling,
and family functioning with behavioural modelling. Higher parental education,
structured routines, reduced screen exposure, and labelling interventions were
consistently associated with lower high-sugar food and beverage intake.
Conclusion
This review identifies consistent links between parental behaviours and reduced
sugar intake in children aged 5–12 years. Structured feeding practices, nutritional
modelling, and informed decision-making effectively shape healthier dietary patterns.
Findings support family-focused interventions, clear labelling regulations, and
educational initiatives to enhance parental capacity to create sustained, health-
promoting food environments.
Keywords: parent practice, feeding style, sugar-rich foods.
Description
This systematic review examined how parental behaviours influence children’s consumption of high-sugar foods among those aged 5–12 years, a stage when children begin to develop independent eating habits but remain under strong parental influence.
Drawing on ten empirical studies (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods) published between 2015 and 2025, the review identified key parental strategies such as restriction, modelling, monitoring, and control of food availability. Evidence showed that authoritative feeding styles, which combine warmth with consistent boundaries, were linked to lower sugar intake and healthier dietary behaviours, while indulgent or inconsistent practices often led to greater consumption of sugary foods and beverages.
Socioeconomic status, parental education, and family functioning emerged as significant moderators, with higher maternal education associated with healthier eating patterns. Environmental influences—including screen time, food marketing, and misleading labelling—also shaped outcomes by limiting parents’ ability to regulate sugar consumption effectively.
Qualitative evidence highlighted that cultural and social norms, household dynamics, and commercial pressures often constrained parents’ efforts, revealing a gap between nutritional knowledge and practical implementation.
Overall, the review concludes that parental influence remains a pivotal determinant of children’s sugar intake, but its effectiveness depends on contextual, educational, and environmental supports. It recommends culturally tailored, family-focused interventions, clearer food labelling, and integration of parental guidance into public health nutrition policies to reduce sugar consumption and obesity risk during middle childhood.
Keywords
Parental behaviour, Parenting style, Parental influence, Child nutrition, Healthy eating habits, Dietary patterns, High-sugar foods, Children aged 5–12 years, Food preferences, Eating behaviour, Parental feeding practices, Childhood obesity, Parental modelling.