It also can be a source of stress, especially for parents of children still learning healthy eating habits. Dr. Shayla Holub, psychology department chair, and Dr. Jackie Nelson, associate professor of psychology, are co-authors of both papers. Mealtime can be the most stressful part of the day,” Nelson said. “Generally, on days when parents provide less structure and use more controlling feeding practices, children refuse food more and have more trouble regulating their eating,” Nelson said. These long-term goals likely differ less between parents than the short-term ones.”Nelson said it is helpful to accept that no matter one’s parenting style, mealtimes are difficult to manage with young children.