Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 22, 2026

Breakfast Habits among Schoolchildren in the City of Uruguaiana, Brazil
Published on: July 29, 2020
Hispanic parents' perceptions of their preschool children's weight status
Kristine I Gauthier1, Bonnie Gance-Cleveland2
1Assistant Professor, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, College of Nursing.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of Hispanic parents' perceptions of their preschool children's weight status.
Design And Methods:
A cross-sectional descriptive design with Hispanic parent-child dyads (n = 83) from a Head Start setting was used to compare parents' perceptions of their children's weight status with their 2- to 5-year-old children's body mass index (BMI) and weight categories. Methods included a word choice from five response options, and varying body size silhouettes presented in a linear fashion and a random circular pattern. Parents' perceptions were compared with the children's BMI, and in relationship to parents' demographic characteristics and BMI.
Results:
Approximately half of parents underestimated their child's weight status, and overweight/obese parents tended to underestimate their overweight/obese children's weight status.
Practice Implications:
Eliciting parent perception of their child's weight is one way providers can engage in obesity prevention dialogue.
Related Concept Videos
Parenting Styles
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative...
Surveys
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth....
Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination

