The Relationship Between Parenting Patterns and Balanced Nutritional Intake with Nutritional Status of Young Children

The nutritional status of early childhood is a critical health indicator influenced by factors related to parenting and dietary intake. This study aimed to analyse the relationship between parenting styles, balanced nutritional intake, and the nutritional status of young children. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional design. The population consisted of all parents and young children in Classes A and B of the Lab School at the University of Bengkulu, with a saturated sample of 30 respondents. Data were collected using the Baumrind parenting style questionnaire, a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and anthropometric measurements. Data were statistically analysed using the Chi-Square test. Results: A significant relationship was found between democratic parenting styles and normal nutritional status (86.7%, p = 0.016). Conversely, the permissive parenting style showed the highest proportion of poor nutritional status (66.7%). A highly significant relationship was also found between balanced nutritional intake and nutritional status (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Democratic parenting and balanced nutritional intake are significantly associated with normal nutritional status in early childhood. These findings can serve as preliminary considerations for developing nutritional and parenting education programs for parents.