Introduction: Studies based on the self-determination theory about the antecedents in parent couples with children of school transition years are still limited. Therefore, this research examines the possible association of parental motivation, parental autonomy support, parental psychological control and the parental reports of children’s outcomes. Methods: The participants for this study are 150 couples of parents with at least one child from 4 to 6 years old that have completed questionnaires regarding parental motivation, parental practices and parental reports of children’s outcomes. Results: Results suggest that both parents’ autonomous motivation for parenting was positively associated with parental autonomy support, while the controlled motivation for parenting was positively associated with parental psychological control. Furthermore, however, parental psychological control was positively associated with parental reports of anxiety, anger and parental autonomy support was positively associated with parental reports of social competence. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of motivation and supportive parenting for parents of children between 4 and 6 years.

Introduction: Given the growing prevalence of eating-related health problems among children, it is essential to promote well-being and investigate the factors that may underlie these issues. Emotional intelligence has been identified in several studies as a protective factor for children’s psychosocial adjustment, yet its effects on eating habits remain largely underexplored. This cross-sectional correlational study aims to investigate the relationship between trait emotional intelligence, mindful eating, and emotional over-eating in children. Methods: In the present study, participants were 110 children aged between 8 and 12 years and their parents. Children completed the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire—Children short form (TEIQUE-CSF) and the Mindful Eating Questionnaire adapted for Children (MEQ-C). Parents completed the Emotional Over-eating subscale of Children’s Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ). Results: A regression-based mediation model indicated that children’s trait emotional intelligence is positively related to mindful eating, which in turn is negatively related to emotional over-eating behaviors. The results further revealed that children with lower-than-average levels of emotional over-eating reported greater mindful eating than those with higher levels. Conclusions: These findings highlight trait emotional intelligence as a factor related to children’s eating behavior, suggesting that interventions aimed at enhancing emotional regulation skills and promoting mindful eating practices are particularly warranted in the context of heightened vulnerability to eating disorders among children.