Parental Influence

�Whether in matters of social development or physical health, parents are typically considered as primary agents of children's socialization and well-being� (Gable & Lutz, 2000, p. 293). Thus, parents can influence the health of their children; other wards can influence the state of obesity in their children. �Parental obesity is a reliable predictor of childhood obesity�if both parents are obese, there is a 70% chance their children will be obese�if one parent is obese, there is an approximate 50% likelihood of obesity in the children, and if neither parent is obese, there is only a 10% chance their children will be obese� (Epstein, 1996; Klish, 1995; Slyper, 1998, as cited in Myers & Vargas, 2000, 24). Other factors such as family structure and economics are related to obesity in children.

�Obese children are more likely to live with an unmarried parent and in a household with less total income� (Myers & Vargas, 2000, p.299), thus the parent may have higher levels of stress, may be working longer hours so is not able to supervise their children's eating habits and choices, and monitor activity levels. The parent may be only able to afford convenient and less expensive foods which are generally less nutritious (Myers & Vargas, 2000). The previous is only an example of how the environment can be related to obesity in children.

�Single parent households and households in which both parents work full time have a tendency to favor the consumption of prepared food items, which tend to be high in fat and sodium� (Crockett & Sims, 1995, as cited in Gable & Lutz, 2000). Although there is evidence linking the environment to obesity in children, Myers and Vargas (2000), state the relationship of parent and child obesity has yet to be determined whether the cause is due to the environment or genetic influence.

The beliefs or attitude of parents are manifested in the actions or choices of the parent(s). Since children learn from their parent, observe the actions from their parent and are vulnerable to absorbing some of the same beliefs and attitudes. Children first learn health habits in their home environment (Golan & Weizman, 2001).

Beliefs or Attitude

�Parents' beliefs about children's nutritional needs and their attitudes toward mealtimes can also make a difference for children's weight� (Gable & Lutz, 2000, p.293). In the study by Gable and Lutz (2000), the results showed parents with obese children were more likely to express their belief in statements as �it doesn't matter which foods my child eats. As long as they eat enough, they will grow properly. Or �my child is old enough to take care of feeding him/herself� (p.298). Some parents believe if their children are watching television they are within the parents' vision and hearing, therefore the parents can control their child more readily than if the child was to be playing outside. Myers and Vargas (2000), study demonstrated that parents' beliefs and opinions about childhood obesity varied. About 75% of parents believed obese children were at risk for problems such as heart disease. Overall, the results showed that parents don't accept the fact that their child is obese.