Review of Healthy, Happy Families.

The number of obese children has nearly tripled in the past 30 years. Research has identified a clear connection between parental income, education, ethnicity, and the risk for obesity. Recent research demonstrates that parenting style may also impact the ability to establish healthy eating environments. This article reviews a program, currently being piloted, that integrates parenting and nutrition—Healthy, Happy Families. Need for Integrated Parenting and Nutrition Programs Over the past 30 years, there has been a dramatic increase in childhood obesity. Trends show that there is an increase in the number of overweight children that occurs between preschool (ages 2-5) up to 26% and grade school (ages 6-11) an estimated 37% (Rhee, 2008). As a result, many Extension faculty are concerned about the importance of the effects of environmental factors on dietary behavior. Factors related to obesity in childhood include parental educational level, income, ethnicity, and childhood behavioral problems (Rhee, Lumeng, Appugliese, Kaciroti, & Bradley, 2006). More malleable factors within control of parents and Extension agents are parents' behaviors, parenting styles (e.g., authoritarian, authoritative, permissive) and family functioning (e.g., how the family manages daily routines, fulfills parenting roles, and communicates) (Rhee, 2008). Previous literature has supported authoritative parenting styles in addressing childhood obesity issues. Authoritative parents are more likely to demonstrate reasonable control, nurturance, limit setting, and communicate clearly with their children (Ontai, Williams, Lamp, & Smith, 2007). Review of Healthy, Happy Families 08/29/11 08:11:00