Physical Activity and Nutritional Status of Preschool-Aged Children and Their Parents

The period of early and preschool age is very important in shaping children’s health habits. The parents’ approach to physical activity and nutritional habits is important for long-term behavior patterns in children. The aim of this study is to determine the relationships between preschool-aged children and their parents’ physical activity and nutritional status, and their nutritional habits. As many as 234 parents completed a questionnaire on their preschool-aged children’s nutritional habits and another on children’s and parents’ physical activity. The children’s and parents’ level of nutrition was determined by body mass index (BMI). The results show that parents decide on the size of meals and the choice of foods included in the daily nutrition of children and are satisfied with the quality and size of meals that children consume during their stay in kindergartens. A significant correlation was found between the physical activity of children and their parents, as well as the level of nutrition. No statistically significant differences were found between preschool-aged girls and boys. The results obtained show that parents play a key role in creating healthy lifestyle habits and encouraging physical activity of preschool children.