The Association Between Exclusive Breastfeeding, Parenting Styles, and Picky Eating Behavior Among Preschool Children at State Kindergarten Pembina Meulaboh, West Aceh (2024)

<div><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"><tbody><tr><td align="left" valign="top"><p><em>Picky eating, also known as selective eating, is a common behavior observed in young children during their developmental years. It is characterized by a limited food variety and reluctance to try new food options, even when they are familiar or previously consumed. This study aims to examine the relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and parenting styles with picky eating behavior. Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, the research was conducted at State Kindergarten Pembina Meulaboh in August 2024. The study population consisted of 70 kindergarten children, with a total sampling technique yielding 64 participants. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test. The results indicated a significant relationship between the history of exclusive breastfeeding and picky eating behavior (p = 0.022; OR = 1.192). However, no significant association was found between parenting styles and picky eating (p = 0.875). Based on these findings, it is recommended that parents pay greater attention to food variety in children's diets to prevent boredom and encourage diverse eating habits</em><em>.</em><em></em></p><p><em> </em></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p><strong><em>Keywords: Exclusive Breastfeeding History, Parenting, Picky Eater</em></strong></p>