Parents play an important role in their children’s lives. With obesity and diabetes on the
rise today, it is especially important that they model healthy eating habits. Eating habits such as
consuming breakfast on a daily basis can have a positive impact. A strategy that has been shown
to have significant influence on breakfast consumption has been family meals. Having at least one parent present during evening meals can improve consumption of fruits, vegetables, dairy
foods, and decrease the possibility of skipping breakfast (Videon & Manning, 2003). Family
meals give parents the opportunity to speak with their children and adolescents about the
importance of healthy eating. As children grow into their adolescent years they are slowly
acquiring a sense of autonomy, especially when it comes to their choice of food (Radcliffe,
Ogden, Coyne, & Craig, 2004). Having a variety of healthy foods to choose from in the home
can aid in healthier eating habits. However, while one study explored benefits of autonomy
another study found that adolescents who made their own decision about the foods they
consumed were more likely to skip breakfast (Videon & Manning, 2003).