Parenting efficacy related to childhood obesity: comparison of parent and child perceptions.

The aim of this study was to explore child and parent perceptions of parenting efficacy related to child BMI. This descriptive, cross-sectional study recruited 27 parent-child dyads participating in a healthy eating/activity intervention. Parent and child perceptions of parenting efficacy were measured using a version of the Tool to Measure Parenting Self-Efficacy (TOPSE). Paired sample t test and correlational statistics were used. Parents and children had similar perception of parenting efficacy. Child report of parenting efficacy and child BMI was significant. Exploring perceptions of parenting efficacy will help individualize family-focused intervention programs to prevent obesity in children.