Caregiver response is key to emotional overeating in children

A recent study from the University of Illinois following children from birth to age three, has revealed a strong link between caregiver responses to children's negative emotions and the development of emotional overeating. Whilst a child's temperament plays a role, how parents or caregivers handle their child's distress, fear, or anger significantly impacts whether the child turns to food for emotional comfort. Supportive responses, such as problem-solving or validating feelings, can help prevent emotional overeating, while punitive or dismissive reactions increase the risk.

Co-author of the study, Samantha Iwinski said that their findings highlight the "importance of the family system."

"Behaviours at three months of age can affect children when they are three years old... assistance may be needed at multiple developmental milestones." 

Samantha Iwinsk

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