Parental Feeding Practices of Preschool and Early School-Aged Children – An Experimental Version of the Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire (CFPQ)

The aim of the article was to identify parental feeding practices among parents of preschool and early school-aged children and to examine gender differences in these practices. The study had an exploratory character and was conducted using an experimental version of the Polish adaptation of the Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire (CFPQ). A total of 178 parents participated in the study, including 141 mothers and 37 fathers, whose children attended kindergartens or grades 1–3 of primary school. The diagnostic survey method was applied, using an online questionnaire.The results revealed that parents generally presented appropriate feeding practices, including modeling healthy behaviors, monitoring unhealthy food intake, and engaging in nutrition education. Statistically significant gender differences were observed – mothers were more involved in positive feeding strategies, whereas fathers were more likely to apply pressure and use food as a reward. The study highlighted the need for further validation of the tool and for more in-depth research on the cultural context of parental feeding practices in Poland.