GfK MRI’s American Kids and Parents Study has found that children’s eating habits stem directly from parental behavior.

The recent data from the multimedia research provider concludes that parents who purchase low-calorie or organic foods have children who are more likely than the average child to express healthy eating-related attitudes.

The children of these parents are 88% more likely than the average child to read nutrition labels, 47% more likely to avoid fattening foods, 37% more likely to stay away from sugary foods and 31% more likely to play sports to stay in shape. 

Conversely, parents with no nutrition rules have children who are less concerned with healthy lifestyles and are 68% more likely to eat whatever they want.

GfK MRI’s 2010 American Kids Study surveyed 5,000 children aged six to 11 from households included in the company’s Survey of the American Consumer.